can you explain to me what menopause is and what it means please

Check this site.

http://www.4women.gov/FAQ/menopaus.htm

Please only post your questions once. Repeating posts will not get a quicker response. In addition, it wastes our time looking over reposts that have already been answered in a previous post. Thank you.

I have added my response to your previous post.

I hope this helps a little more. Thanks for asking.

Of course! Menopause is a natural biological process that occurs in women as they age. It marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. During menopause, the ovaries stop releasing eggs and produce lower levels of hormones like estrogen and progesterone.

The onset of menopause typically happens between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average age being around 51. However, the age at which menopause occurs can vary from woman to woman. Menopause can be divided into three stages: perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause.

1. Perimenopause: This stage precedes menopause and can start several years before the actual menopause. During this time, women may experience irregular periods, changes in menstrual flow, and symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and l dryness.

2. Menopause: Menopause is confirmed after a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. At this stage, the ovaries cease to release eggs, and hormone levels decrease significantly. Common symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, l dryness, and mood changes.

3. Postmenopause: Postmenopause refers to the period after menopause. During this time, women may continue to experience symptoms like hot flashes and l dryness, but the symptoms usually become less severe over time. Additionally, the risk of certain health conditions such as osteoporosis and heart disease may increase.

It's important to note that menopause is a natural process and not a disease. However, if the symptoms become severe or significantly affect your quality of life, it's advisable to seek medical advice. A healthcare professional can provide appropriate guidance and treatment options to manage menopausal symptoms if necessary.