Menopause Onset, Perimenopause, and Beyond

Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a person’s reproductive years and happens when periods have stopped for 12 consecutive months with no other obvious cause. For most people, this transition occurs between the ages of about 45 and 55, with the average around age 51, although it can begin earlier or later for some individuals. The years leading up to menopause — known as perimenopause — can last several years and are characterized by fluctuating hormone levels, especially estrogen and progesterone, which cause changes in the menstrual cycle and a variety of symptoms.