Menopause is the transition out of your reproductive years. It begins when your ovaries are no longer releasing eggs. That process usually starts between the ages of 45-55, but some women go into early menopause after treatments like a hysterectomy.
Perimenopause occurs in the years before menopause. Postmenopause begins after you’ve completed the menopause transition. Very often there is no clear start or finish to these transitions, so don’t be concerned with whether your timing is “normal” or not. Simply listen to your body and seek care at West Kendall OBGYN when needed.
Technically, menopause begins 12 months after you stop having monthly periods. For many women, however, symptoms begin in the years prior to that change. Knowing what to expect can make it easier to decide when to seek care.