Age of menopause...

Average age of menopause: Menopause is a very important natural phase of every woman’s life. For some, it poses great challenge due to extreme physical and emotional changes. For others, it may be an indication of growing age. The average age of menopause is 52 but in normal circumstance it can happen anytime between 45 and 56. Unlike the starting of menstruation, which is over a single day, menopause is a gradual process.

Menopause indicates the end of menstruation. If a woman does not experience menstruation for 12 consecutive months, without any other biological or physiological adversity, it can be considered that she has entered menopause. Although the average age is said to be 52, menopause can occur as early as in the 30s or as late as in the 60s.

Age of early Menopause: Menopause is considered to be "early" if it occurs induced before the age of 40. Induced menopause, in fact can happen at any age. If the ovaries are operated or if some one is going through a chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer, in those cases, the woman will experience menopause at an early age.

Factors affecting the age of onset of menopause: Some patterns have been established with regards to the age of onset of menopause. Some northern and Anglo Saxon women experience menopause quite late but Southern and Oriental races reach menopause earlier than that. Climate influences the age of onset. In hot tropical countries, women age earlier and therefore reach menopause at an early age. According to experts, women who breast-feed their babies experience menopause at a later age. Childbearing can also postpone menopause: At the same time it is said that excessive number of pregnancies lead to early menopause. So the relation between motherhood and menopause is not well defined. But obesity definitely coincides with the tendency to early menopause.

Symptoms of menopause:The start As menopause unfolds over many years; the symptoms of menopause are also gradual and take place over a long period. Over the years, one develops variety of changes with a decreasing level of estrogen. The first symptom; however, can be irregular periods. The menstrual cycle either becomes too short or too long. In first case the woman may experience menstruation within 24 to 26 days instead of 28-30 days. This happens because the drop in the level of estrogen shortens the follicular phase. If the ovaries stop producing mature eggs, the cycle becomes longer. The blood flow also becomes lighter or heavier sometimes with extensive bleeding and clots.

Another change often experienced is the hot "flash" or "flush". Hot Flashes start with a hot, prickly feeling at the back. The heat wave rises along the chest, neck, face and scalp. The skin temperature rises and becomes noticeably hot. The body starts sweating to bring down the temperature. The color of the face, neck and chest can turn pink or deep red. Then it accompanies a sudden chill and shivering. Same kind of experience can happen during night.

A drop in level of estrogen also causes vaginal dryness. The vaginal tissues dries up and losses it’s elasticity. It causes problem in sexual intercourse. This can also results in itchy feeling and attack of infection in urinary tracts. Menopause results in serious emotional changes and one may feel continuously irritated and start feeling old.