Menopause Age
It has been estimated that the average menopause
age in the Western world is 51 years.
The typical age range for the first signs of menopause is
between the ages of 45 and 55. If the last period occurs
between the ages of 55 to 60 this is known as a "late
menopause". When a woman experiences "Early menopause" this is
when the final period occurs between the ages of 45 to 50. The
word menopause literally means the cessation of monthly cycles
or menstrual cycles, from the Greek roots meno (month) and
pausis (a halt).
Once signs of menopause start to occur the periods are usually
very erratic and it can take several months or years of this
type of cycling to completely cease. This makes pegging down an
actually menopause age difficult.
The years leading up to the last period ever is referred to as
premenopause. This describes the menopause age when the levels
of reproductive hormones are already becoming lower and more
erratic, and the signs of menopause and hormone withdrawal may
be present.
The time that follows the point when a woman's ovaries become
inactive is called postmenopause. This menopause age or stage
takes place after a woman's last period ever and most signs of
menopause seem to have subsided.
The time leading up to the last monthly cycle ever is referred
to as premenopause. This describes the menopause age when the
levels of reproductive hormones have started to decrease and
the periods have started to become irregular, and the signs of
menopause and hormone withdrawal may have begun.
All women will experience the signs of menopause or effects of
perimenopause. However, not every woman will realize these
signs at the same levels. As the body senses the rapidly
changing levels of natural hormones one or more of these signs
will become apparent and will vary from person to person.
As a women is well into her menopause age she will commonly
experience such signs of menopause as vainal atrophy, skin
drying, hot flashes and mood changes. A lack of energy is also
a common symptom described by both users and non-users of
hormone replacement therapy. Some psychological effects such as
depression, anxiety, irritability, mood swings, memory problems
and lack of concentration can be experienced as well. Most of
these signs of menopause will usually stop or improve
significantly once the menopause age has been completed.
Experiencing these signs of menopause are a common transition
in the life of a female that is very natural, it is not an
illness, disease or mental disorder. This can be a challenge
for some women, but for
others it may not be as difficult, but all will experience some
signs of menopause.
| 
