What is Menopause?
Menopause is the time in a woman’s life when she stops the menstruation cycle that began at puberty. It is a transition into the next phase that can affect each woman differently. It marks the end of a woman’s ability to conceive.
What happens during Menopause?
According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, as menopause nears, the ovaries make less estrogen. One of the earliest and most common signs that menopause may be approaching is a change in your menstrual periods. Even though menstrual periods tend to be irregular around the time of menopause, you should be aware of bleeding that is not normal for you. This could be a sign of a problem (see the FAQ Abnormal Uterine Bleeding). At some point, the ovaries stop making enough estrogen to thicken the lining of the uterus. This is when menstrual periods stop. You are not completely free of the risk of pregnancy until 1 year after your menstrual last period.
