What are menopause?
Menopause occurs when you haven’t had a period for 12 months.
Most women experience menopause between the ages of 45 and 58.
The average age of menopause in the United States is 51
Natural menopause
The decline in female hormones that occurs naturally as we age.
Induced menopause
When medical treatments such as cancer treatments or surgery temporarily or permanently shut down the ovaries so that they no longer produce estrogen and progesterone.
Induced menopause occurs quickly – within a few weeks or even overnight – and can cause early or premature menopause.
Premature menopause = menopause before the age of 40
Early menopause = menopause before the age of 45
Factors causing or associated with premature or early menopause
Risks of early or premature menopause
Living longer without the health benefits of higher estrogen levels may increase your risk of health problems such as:
Talk to your doctor about your risk
If you think you are at risk of early or premature menopause, talk to your doctor. Together you can develop a plan.
This educational resource was created with support from Bayer, a member of the HealthyWomen Corporate Advisory Council.
