Perimenopause and Menopause

As women age chronologically, the ovaries begin to produce decreased amounts of estrogen and become less responsive to the female hormones produced by the brain.

During perimenopause, menstrual periods become less frequent or they may become irregular. This period usually occurs when a woman is between 46 - 51 years of age. There are fluctuations in the production of female hormones that affect the symptoms many women may experience as they approach menopause. A perimenopausal woman can still become pregnant.

Menopause is the time in which ovaries no longer produce estrogen and menstruation stops. Also, ovaries no longer respond to the brain hormone, Follicular Stimulating Hormone (FSH). A blood test measuring the amount of FSH is used to determine whether a woman is in menopause. The average age of menopause in American women is 51 years old. Other changes associated with menopause may include: sleep disturbances, mood swings, urinary incontinence, increased risk for fractures and heart attacks as well as thinning and dryness of the vaginal walls.

Sources:
Hatcher RA, Nelson AL, Zieman M et al. A Pocket Guide to Managing Contraception. Tiger, Georgia: Bridging the Gap Foundation, 2001.

Scott JR, Di Saia PJ, Hammond CH, Spellacy, WM. Danforth's Obstetrics & Gynecology, 8th Edition. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 1999.

Return to Educational Topics