
A wide range of symptoms were reported in a recent survey in which 84% of the women were at some stage of perimenopause. Most common symptoms were mood swings, fatigue, hot flashes, and trouble sleeping.
In the younger group of women surveyed (ages 41-45), most said they had the following symptoms frequently:
Whether natural or induced, menopause reached by women before the age of 40 or younger. Can be genetic (result of one or more poorly understood autoimmune processes) or induced with a medical intervention.
The body begins to produce smaller amounts of female hormones (estrogen and progesterone). Changing hormone levels from month to month can mean the ovaries may release an egg some months, but not others; periods can become lighter or heavier, farther apart or closer together or many even be missed on occasion. It can start anime between ages 39-51, with the average age being 45.
Onset of Menopause is, “reached” when a woman, due to declining ovarian activity, has her last menstrual period. In the case of natural menopause, it is known only in retrospect, and is confirmed after 12 months have passed without a period. The average age is 51.