What Is Menopause?

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The textbook definition of menopause is a cessation of menstrual cycles for 12 months however the symptoms associated with menopause can appear many years prior to actual menopause. While menopause and its related symptoms typically appear around the age of 50, early onset of menopause can occur through hysterectomy, ovary removal, chemotherapy, and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Menopause presents unique challenges as hormone deficiencies in one area can appear as excesses elsewhere. As estrogen levels change prior to and as you enter menopause, hormone balance is key to overall health since estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone work in concert with each other.

Declining estrogen levels common to the menopausal years can have dramatic effects since estrogen has over 400 crucial functions in the body including regulating body temperature, helping to prevent Alzheimer’s, preventing muscle damage and maintaining muscles, regulating blood pressure, enhancing energy, and improving mood.  Diminished estrogen can dampen nerve impulses during sex and diminish the arousal response.