Menopause

Natural menopause is recognized retrospectively after twelve consecutive months without a menstrual period when another physiological or medical explanation is absent. It follows perimenopause, the variable transition in which cycles and ovarian hormone patterns change. Menopause can also follow surgery that removes both ovaries, and some medical circumstances can alter its timing or presentation.

Estradiol and progesterone production patterns change across this transition, while other hormones involved in ovarian signalling also shift. Hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disruption, vaginal or urinary changes, mood changes, and altered bleeding may occur, but experiences differ substantially. These features can overlap with other conditions, so the label should not be used to explain every midlife symptom automatically.

Menopause is not itself a disease. Its clinical relevance depends on symptoms, medical history, bone and cardiovascular context, personal priorities, and other factors. Laboratory testing is not the sole basis for recognizing typical natural menopause at the expected life stage, although tests may be relevant in particular circumstances. Decisions about evaluation or hormone use require individual clinical discussion.

The term premature ovarian insufficiency is distinct from menopause at the usual life stage and has its own clinical context. Hysterectomy can also make menstrual criteria unavailable when ovaries remain, because bleeding no longer marks ovarian activity. Surgical history is therefore important when assigning transition vocabulary.

Related Previvo services: Women’s Hormone Program Winnipeg | Previvo.