Key highlights
Menopause is a normal part of aging, though it does come with various symptoms and associated health risks when not managed.
Most women experience menopause between ages 40-58. [1]
Perimenopause, the period before menopause, usually starts 4-8 years before menopause. Perimenopause can come with many symptoms and bodily changes.
If you are experiencing menopausal symptoms (eg. hot flashes, weight gain, loss of libido) and would like to consider treatment, meet with your GP or a woman's health specialist.
Hormonal and non-hormonal treatment options are available to assist with your symptoms. New research shows that hormone therapy can be taken for the rest of your life, as the benefits outweigh the risks.
Introduction
Menopause is more than just your final menstrual period or last menstrual cycle. It marks the end of the reproductive years and is often accompanied by various symptoms and health risks. While most people associate natural menopause with middle-aged women, women can experience menopausal symptoms as early as age 35. [2]
Let's delve into the average time of menopause, the various symptoms women may experience, and highly effective treatment options to consider based on your stage of menopause.
How does the menopause transition start?
Menopause occurs when you have experienced your final menstrual period (FMP). However, many women are alerted to the start of the menopausal transition long before their FMP with severe hot flashes, irregular vaginal bleeding, urinary incontinence, etc. Other women have more subtle symptoms like reduced sex drive and higher blood pressure. It's important to keep in mind that these symptoms are indicative of underlying estrogen insufficiencies which can have severe health risks for postmenopausal women, including complications such as:
Osteoporosis: The decline in estrogen levels can lead to a significant decrease in bone mass, increasing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis. [3]
Heart Disease: Estrogen helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels and promotes good blood vessel function. The reduction of estrogen can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes. [4]
Dementia: Estrogen is believed to have a protective effect on brain function, and its decline can impact memory and cognitive abilities. Read more about how your ovaries affect your brain here! [5]
Arthritis: The decrease in estrogen levels can contribute to joint pain and stiffness, leading to an increased risk of developing arthritis. [6]
Obesity: Hormonal changes can affect metabolism and fat distribution, often leading to weight gain, particularly around the abdomen. [7]
At what age will I start menopause?
Most women experience the menopausal transition between the ages of 40 - 58. Symptoms and deteriorative health effects can start during perimenopause, the period before the menopausal transition, as early as age 35. The full menopausal transition can last up to 20 years. It's important to note that the average age of menopause can be influenced by factors such as genetics, medical conditions, lifestyle, and certain treatments. Women who have a family history of early menopause or have undergone treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy may experience the transition sooner than others. [8] Hispanic and African American women are also known to have an earlier onset. [9] In some cases, you can have your FMP before the age of 40, known as premature menopause or primary ovarian insufficiency.
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The early signs of perimenopause
Perimenopause, also known as pre-menopause, is the stage before your final menstrual period when symptoms begin to appear. It's important to be tuned to these changes or use tools like MenoTime to start treatment on time and prevent degenerative health issues like bone loss and neurodegeneration. You are medically recommended to start treatment (hormonal or nonhormonal) when symptoms arise, even if you have not experienced your FMP.
There are 34 major symptoms of this transition, here are a few to look out for: [10]
Irregular periods
Vaginal dryness and/or sore breasts
Mood changes
Hot flashes and night sweats
Weight gain or weight loss
Urinary Incontinence
Loss of libido
Headaches and brain fog
Dry mouth, burning sensation in the mouth and/or change in taste
Joint pain
Wrinkling and dry skin
Hair thinning and brittle nails
Tingling hands and feet
Bloating and fatigue
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to consult with a women's health specialist who can provide guidance and support during this transition. They can help you manage the symptoms and ensure that you're on track for a healthy menopausal journey. You can also ask to be told about hormone therapy along with associated benefits and side effects.
How long does the menopause transition last?
The menopausal transition, which includes perimenopause and menopause, can last up to 20 years with severe symptoms. [11] The duration varies from woman to woman, but on average, it lasts around 7 years. During this time, hormone levels fluctuate, leading to changes in the menstrual cycle and the onset of menopausal symptoms.
The misdiagnosis of menopause
Women's health and menopause research is very underserved.
Nearly 1/3 of women are misdiagnosed for menopause. [12]
Over 1/3 of women are misprescribed antidepressants for menopause. [13]
45% of women do not get treatment despite wanting treatment for their symptoms. [14]
A new study reveals that it can take up to 10 GP visits to receive a menopause diagnosis. [12]
It can be challenging to navigate healthcare as a female going through this difficult transition. You have to take your health into your own hands. Educate yourself about the menopausal transition and ensure you know what to expect and the scientific opinion on treatment options like hormone replacement therapy. Advocate for yourself! You can also opt for decisive tools like the upcoming MenoTime kit to answer questions like "What age will I start I start menopause" and for personalized tips advice to improve your menopausal experience.
Premature and early menopause
Premature and early menopause are terms used to describe an FMP before age 40 and 45, respectively. 1 in 20 women deal with early menopause which can have a significant impact on a woman's health and fertility. Premature and early menopause can occur for various reasons, including genetic factors, treatments, and certain health conditions. Hormone replacement therapy is often recommended in these conditions to alleviate symptoms and reduce the risk of health conditions osteoporosis, heart disease, cognitive decline, etc. [16]
Navigating through perimenopause
Navigating through perimenopause can be challenging, but with the right knowledge and support, you can manage the symptoms and embrace this new phase of life.
By taking a proactive approach to your health and seeking guidance from healthcare professionals, you can confidently and easily navigate the transition. Make sure to implement those healthy lifestyle changes and early treatment/diagnosis. Preparing for the transition earlier can alleviate the negative cognitive effects of the menopausal transition and the uncomfortable symptoms.
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Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) involves taking hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, to replace the hormones your body is no longer producing. Some treatments can also supplement testosterone instead of estrogen and progesterone. Typically, you should start a personalized dosage of HRT during the perimenopausal period, with both estrogen and progesterone unless you have had a hysterectomy. These dosages can be updated as your hormone levels continue to drop. When prescribed correctly, this can help alleviate symptoms and reduce health risks.
HRT significantly reduces all-cause mortality and heart disease when initiated in women under 60 years and within 10 years of FMP. [17] A new 2024 study found that HRT reduced mortality when taken transdermally or vaginally in women 65+ as well. [18] While HRT is known to increase the risk of breast cancer, there is a significantly higher risk of cardiac death without HRT. Make sure to discuss these options with your healthcare provider!
How to prepare for the menopausal transition
Preparing for the menopausal transition involves understanding the changes your body will go through and making lifestyle adjustments to manage symptoms and maintain overall health.
Lifestyle recommendations to reduce menopause severity
Making certain lifestyle changes can help reduce the intensity of menopausal symptoms and improve your overall quality of life during this transitional period. Here are some recommendations:
Calcium-rich food: Consuming calcium-rich foods helps maintain bone density and reduces the risk of osteoporosis, a common concern due to decreased estrogen levels. [19] You can also eat foods high in Vitamin D and phytoestrogens.
Supplements: Supplements like St. John's wort, black cohosh, and red clover help balance hormones and alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings. [20]
Weight-bearing exercises: Engaging in weight-bearing exercises like walking, jogging, or strength training strengthens bones and muscles, helping to prevent the bone loss that often accompanies this time. [21]
Gut health: Maintaining a healthy gut with probiotics and a fiber-rich diet supports overall well-being and can improve mood, digestion, and immune function during the menopausal transition. Read more about the impact of estrogen on the gut here.
Remember, every woman's experience with the menopausal transition is unique, so it's important to find what works best for you. Consulting with your healthcare provider can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific needs.
How to know the age menopause starts for you?
To answer questions like "Around what age does menopause start" and "What age will I start menopause" our upcoming time-to-menopause predictor could be for you. Take control of your health and prepare for the future with MenoTime, the revolutionary time-to-menopause predictor from Timeless Biotech.
MenoTime uses a simple, at-home blood test to accurately predict your time-to-menopause, allowing you to plan and manage your health with confidence. With personalized recommendations and insights, MenoTime gives you clarity on your personalized situation so you can make proactive, informed decisions about your hormonal health and lifestyle.
Sign up for our MenoTime waitlist today to own your menopause, start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can lifestyle changes make a difference?
Yes, lifestyle changes can make a significant difference in managing symptoms and improving quality of life. Adopting a healthy diet, engaging in regular exercise, managing stress, getting enough sleep, and incorporating relaxation techniques can help alleviate symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep problems, and mood swings. [22]
At what age do menopause start after perimenopause?
If you're wondering, "What age will I start menopause" or "What age will I start perimenopause" opt for a personalized time-to-menopause and time-to-perimenopause predictor with our MenoTime waitlist! Perimenopause can last anywhere from a few months to several years before you have your final menstrual period. The average duration of the perimenopausal transition is about four years. During this time, menstrual periods may become irregular, and women may experience symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings.
At what age do you start menopause and perimenopause?
"What age will I start menopause" is a really common question. Most women begin experiencing perimenopause in their 40s, but it can start as early as the mid-30s. The average age for perimenopause is around 47. During this stage, menstrual cycles may become irregular, and hormone levels start to decline. Women may also experience symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and changes in their period.
Is it necessary to see a doctor for menopausal treatment?
It is highly recommended to see a doctor for treatment, especially if your symptoms are affecting your daily activities. A healthcare provider can evaluate your symptoms, discuss hormonal and non-hormonal treatment options such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and address any concerns or medical conditions that may impact the suitability of certain treatments. The menopausal transition increases all-cause mortality and may require some lifestyle changes.
To help you advocate for yourself and answer questions like "what age will I start menopause," try out our time-to-menopause predictor MenoTime.
References
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26455946/
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(22)01099-6/fulltext
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