Hormone Changes During Menopause
Menopause is not a sudden change. During the months or years before menopause (perimenopause), the ovaries begin to run out of eggs. Less estrogen and progesterone are made. This may bring on symptoms, such as hot flashes.
Menopause is not a sudden change. During the months or years before menopause (perimenopause), your ovaries start to run out of eggs. Your body makes less estrogen and progesterone. This may bring on symptoms, such as hot flashes. You’ve reached menopause when you have not had a period for 1 year. From that point on, you are in menopause.
Perimenopause
In the years leading up to menopause, your ovaries make less estrogen. You release fewer eggs and your periods become less regular.
Symptoms you may have
Heavier or lighter periods
Longer or shorter time between periods
Hot flashes
Mood swings or depression
Night sweats
Insomnia
Vaginal dryness, which may make having sex uncomfortable or painful
Urinary changes, such as incontinence or urinating more often
Migraine headaches
Joint pain
Postmenopause
After menopause, you make very little estrogen. As a result, the uterine lining doesn't get thicker, and your periods have ended.
Symptoms you may have
No periods
Vaginal dryness, which may make having sex uncomfortable or painful
Hot flashes
Mood swings or depression
Night sweats
Insomnia
Urinary changes, such as incontinence and urinating more often
Joint pain
Memory loss or trouble concentrating
Surgical menopause
Menopause occurs if you have your uterus removed. But symptoms of menopause happen only if the ovaries are also removed. This causes a quick drop in the amount of estrogen and progesterone. This drop causes sudden and severe symptoms.