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Average age of onset of menopause. Understanding the Impact of Natural Menopause Timing on Women’s Health

by alexxlab

When does natural menopause typically occur. How does the age of menopause onset affect overall health. What are the potential risks associated with early or late menopause. Can lifestyle factors influence the timing of menopause.

The Significance of Natural Menopause Timing

Natural menopause is a crucial milestone in a woman’s life, marking the end of her reproductive years. The timing of this event can have far-reaching implications for a woman’s health and longevity. But what exactly constitutes “normal” timing for menopause, and how does it affect various aspects of health?

The average age of natural menopause onset is typically between 45 and 55 years, with the global mean age being around 51 years. However, this can vary significantly among individuals and populations. Factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and environmental influences can all play a role in determining when a woman experiences menopause.

Defining Early and Late Menopause

Early menopause is generally defined as occurring before the age of 45, while late menopause is considered to be after the age of 55. Both early and late menopause can have distinct health implications, which we’ll explore in detail throughout this article.

Cardiovascular Health and Menopause Timing

One of the most significant health impacts associated with menopause timing is its effect on cardiovascular health. Research has shown a complex relationship between the age at which menopause occurs and the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Early Menopause and Heart Disease Risk

Women who experience early menopause may face an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. A meta-analysis published in the journal Menopause found that postmenopausal status and early menopause are independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease. But why is this the case?

  • Reduced exposure to endogenous estrogen
  • Potential metabolic changes
  • Increased likelihood of developing other risk factors

These factors can contribute to a higher risk of heart disease and stroke in women who undergo menopause at an earlier age. However, it’s important to note that this relationship is not straightforward, and other factors such as lifestyle and overall health status play crucial roles as well.

Late Menopause and Cardiovascular Health

Interestingly, some studies have suggested that later menopause might be associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. A study published in The Lancet found that women who experienced menopause after age 55 had a reduced risk of cardiovascular mortality compared to those who had earlier menopause. This protective effect may be due to prolonged exposure to endogenous estrogen, which is thought to have cardioprotective properties.

Bone Health and Menopause Timing

The age at which a woman experiences menopause can significantly impact her bone health. Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining bone density, and the decline in estrogen levels during menopause can lead to accelerated bone loss.

Early Menopause and Osteoporosis Risk

Women who undergo early menopause may be at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis later in life. A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that early menopause was associated with lower bone mineral density in postmenopausal women. This increased risk is likely due to the longer period of exposure to low estrogen levels.

How can women mitigate this risk? Strategies for maintaining bone health after early menopause include:

  1. Ensuring adequate calcium and vitamin D intake
  2. Engaging in weight-bearing exercises
  3. Considering hormone replacement therapy under medical supervision
  4. Regular bone density screenings

Cancer Risk and Menopause Timing

The timing of menopause can influence a woman’s risk of developing certain types of cancer, particularly hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast and endometrial cancer.

Breast Cancer Risk and Menopause Age

The relationship between menopause timing and breast cancer risk is complex. Generally, later menopause is associated with a slightly increased risk of breast cancer. This is thought to be due to the longer lifetime exposure to estrogen, which can promote the growth of hormone-sensitive breast tumors.

However, the picture is not entirely clear-cut. Some studies, such as one published in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, have suggested that early menopause might not always be protective against breast cancer, particularly in leaner women. This highlights the complex interplay between menopause timing, body composition, and cancer risk.

Endometrial Cancer and Menopause Age

The age at which a woman experiences menopause can also affect her risk of endometrial cancer. Later menopause is generally associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer, again likely due to prolonged exposure to estrogen. A study published in the International Journal of Cancer found that women who experienced menopause after age 55 had a higher risk of endometrial cancer compared to those who had earlier menopause.

Cognitive Function and Menopause Timing

The relationship between menopause timing and cognitive function is an area of growing research interest. While the evidence is not yet conclusive, some studies suggest that the age at which a woman experiences menopause may influence her cognitive health later in life.

Early Menopause and Cognitive Decline

Some research has indicated that women who experience early menopause may be at a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia in later life. A study published in JAMA Neurology found that women who underwent premature or early menopause had an increased risk of developing dementia before the age of 65.

What might explain this association? Possible mechanisms include:

  • Reduced neuroprotective effects of estrogen
  • Alterations in brain structure and function due to hormonal changes
  • Increased risk of cardiovascular disease, which is linked to cognitive decline

Hormone Therapy and Cognitive Function

The potential cognitive effects of early menopause have led to interest in whether hormone therapy might help mitigate these risks. While some studies have shown promising results, the evidence is mixed, and more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of hormone therapy for cognitive health.

Lifestyle Factors and Menopause Timing

While the timing of menopause is largely influenced by genetic factors, certain lifestyle choices can also play a role in determining when a woman experiences menopause.

Smoking and Early Menopause

One of the most well-established lifestyle factors affecting menopause timing is smoking. Numerous studies have shown that women who smoke are more likely to experience earlier menopause compared to non-smokers. A study published in the journal Menopause found that heavy smokers reached menopause an average of two years earlier than non-smokers.

Why does smoking affect menopause timing? Several mechanisms have been proposed:

  1. Toxic effects on ovarian follicles
  2. Alterations in hormone metabolism
  3. Anti-estrogenic effects of certain compounds in cigarette smoke

Body Weight and Menopause Onset

Body weight and composition can also influence the timing of menopause. Generally, women with a higher body mass index (BMI) tend to experience menopause at a later age compared to women with a lower BMI. This association is thought to be related to the role of adipose tissue in estrogen production and metabolism.

However, the relationship between body weight and menopause timing is not straightforward. Extreme underweight and obesity can both potentially disrupt normal hormonal function and affect menopause onset.

Genetic Factors in Menopause Timing

While lifestyle factors play a role, genetics is a major determinant of when a woman will experience menopause. Understanding the genetic basis of menopause timing could provide valuable insights into women’s reproductive health and aging.

Family History and Menopause Age

Studies have consistently shown that there is a strong hereditary component to menopause timing. Women often experience menopause at a similar age to their mothers and sisters. A study published in Human Reproduction found that genetic factors account for approximately 50-60% of the variation in age at natural menopause.

Specific Genes Associated with Menopause Timing

Recent advances in genetic research have identified several specific genes that may influence the timing of menopause. These genes are involved in various biological processes, including:

  • DNA repair and maintenance
  • Immune function
  • Hormone signaling
  • Follicle development and atresia

Understanding these genetic factors could potentially lead to the development of predictive tests for early menopause risk or new treatments to delay ovarian aging.

Global Variations in Menopause Timing

The age at which women experience menopause varies not only between individuals but also across different populations and geographic regions. Understanding these variations can provide insights into the complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and cultural factors that influence reproductive aging.

Regional Differences in Menopause Age

Studies have shown significant differences in the average age of menopause onset across different countries and ethnic groups. For example:

  • Women in Western countries tend to have a later average age of menopause compared to women in many developing countries.
  • Some studies have found that women of African descent may experience menopause earlier than Caucasian women.
  • Research in Asian populations has shown varying results, with some studies reporting earlier menopause in certain Asian groups compared to Western populations.

Factors Contributing to Global Variations

What might explain these global differences in menopause timing? Several factors have been proposed:

  1. Genetic variations between populations
  2. Differences in diet and nutrition
  3. Environmental factors, such as exposure to pollutants
  4. Socioeconomic factors and access to healthcare
  5. Cultural practices and lifestyle differences

Understanding these global variations can help healthcare providers better tailor their approach to menopause management for women from different backgrounds.

The Future of Menopause Research

As our understanding of menopause timing and its health implications continues to grow, new avenues of research are emerging. These developments hold the promise of improving women’s health outcomes and quality of life during and after the menopausal transition.

Personalized Medicine Approaches

One exciting area of development is the potential for personalized medicine approaches to menopause management. By considering factors such as genetic predisposition, lifestyle, and individual health status, healthcare providers may be able to offer more tailored interventions to mitigate the health risks associated with early or late menopause.

Potential Interventions to Modify Menopause Timing

Could it be possible to modify the timing of menopause in the future? While this remains largely in the realm of theoretical research, some scientists are exploring potential interventions that could delay ovarian aging and postpone menopause. These include:

  • Ovarian tissue cryopreservation and reimplantation
  • Stem cell therapies to rejuvenate ovarian function
  • Targeted drug therapies to slow follicular atresia

While these approaches are still in early stages of research, they highlight the potential for future interventions that could profoundly impact women’s reproductive health and aging.

As we continue to unravel the complexities of menopause timing and its health implications, it’s clear that this field of research holds immense potential for improving women’s health outcomes. From personalized risk assessment to novel therapeutic approaches, the future of menopause research promises to bring about significant advancements in how we understand and manage this crucial phase of a woman’s life.

The Timing of the Age at Which Natural Menopause Occurs

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When Does Menopause Start? – Forbes Health

Table of Contents

  • What Is Menopause?

  • What Age Does Menopause Start?

  • How to Know if Menopause Has Started

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If you’re wondering at what age you may start experiencing menopause, you’re not alone. Many have this question in the back of their minds, especially as they move toward and beyond middle age. While menopause is a completely normal part of the aging process, all of the changes it can bring may feel intimidating. Having an idea of when to expect it can offer some relief.

While there is an average age for menopause to begin, everyone’s experiences are unique to them. There are some factors that can determine the onset of menopause, and not everyone will have the same symptoms.

Read on to get a better idea of when you can expect menopause to start.

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What Is Menopause?

Menopause officially occurs when there is a cessation of ovarian hormonal production, typically resulting in the absence of a menstrual period for one full calendar year. Once an individual has officially entered menopause, they will no longer get their menstrual period and will no longer be able to get pregnant.

As hormones like estrogen, progesterone and testosterone start to decrease, a lot of physiologic, behavioral and psychosocial changes can take place, explains Emily Anderson, a gerontology clinical nurse specialist based in Minnesota. This transition period, known as perimenopause, typically results in “urogenital changes like vaginal dryness and urinary incontinence, reduced bone density, vasomotor changes like hot flashes and night sweats, cognitive decline and increased risk of ischemic heart disease,” says Andereson.

Perimenopause and Menopause: What’s the Difference?

Think of the years before menopause as a transition period, where a person may experience some changes in their body. This is the perimenopause period, and it can last anywhere between four to eight years tippy-popover-container-bg-white’ }”>[1]Menopause 101. The North American Menopause Society. Accessed 1/24/2023. . Perimenopause generally begins with changes in the length of a person’s menstrual period and ends after 12 months of a person not getting their period, signaling the start of menopause.

“During this period of time, the ovaries begin producing fewer hormones, which may result in irregular menstrual cycles and symptoms of lower estrogen,” explains Anderson.

While perimenopause and menopause may cause similar symptoms, the presence of a menstrual period, even one that is late, during perimenopause is the main difference between them. “During perimenopause, fertility and conception are still possible, as the potential for ovulation still remains,” says Anderson. “However, after a woman’s final menses occurs (signaling menopause) natural fertility and conception are no longer achievable.”

Perimenopause vs Early Menopause: What’s the Difference?

Early menopause is menopause that happens between the ages of 40 and 45. About 5% of people naturally go through early menopause, and there are some factors that can cause this to happen, such as smoking or certain medicines or treatments, like the removal of the ovaries.

In the case of early menopause, “menstrual cycles end prematurely due to ovarian or follicular dysfunction,” says Anderson. She notes that perimenopause might happen before early menopause, but it might not. Some factors that may cause early menopause include:

  • Certain autoimmune diseases, such as thyroid disease or rheumatoid arthritis
  • Certain genetic disorders, such as Turner’s syndrome
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Surgery to remove the ovaries
  • Chemotherapy or pelvic radiation
  • Smoking
  • A family history of early menopause

While perimenopause can be the body’s way of preparing for menopause, early menopause is when menopause begins before the average starting age.

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Partner Offers feature brands who paid Forbes Health to appear at the top of our list. While this may influence where their products or services appear on our site, it in no way affects our ratings, which are based on thorough research, solid methodologies and expert advice. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services

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What Age Does Menopause Start?

The average age that menopause begins is 51, and most will experience menopause between the ages of 40 and 58[1]Menopause 101. The North American Menopause Society. Accessed 1/24/2023. . As Anderson notes, there is no way to predict exactly what age menopause will start since there are so many different contributing factors.

“Genetics play a strong role,” she says, and a person may be able to get a general idea of when menopause will begin by noting what age their mother experienced it.

A 2021 research letter in the Journal of the American Medical Association exemplifies just how many factors can play into the age that menopause. The letter highlights a study analyzing 60-year trends in age for natural menopause and reproductive life span. Researchers found that Black women or women of Hispanic ethnicity had an earlier age of natural menopause. Lower socioeconomic status, current and former smoking status and hormone therapy use were also associated with an earlier age of natural menopause. Researchers also found that more education and oral contraceptive use were associated with a later age of natural menopause tippy-popover-container-bg-white’ }”>[2]Appiah D, Nwabuo C, Ebony I, et al. Trends in Age at Natural Menopause and Reproductive Life Span Among US Women, 1959-2018. JAMA. 2021;325(13):1328-1330. .

Diet may also play a role in menopause onset. A 2018 U.K. study in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health linked an earlier onset of menopause with a diet that included a higher amount of refined pasta and rice, while later onset of menopause occurred with a diet of higher amounts of oily fish and fresh legumes[3]Dunneram Y, Greenwood DC, Burley VJ, et al. Dietary intake and age at natural menopause: results from the UK Women’s Cohort Study. J Epidemiol Community Health 2018;72:733-740. .

Because the age a person reaches menopause is dependent on so many factors, it’s important to reach out to your doctor if you believe you may be dealing with perimenopause, early menopause or menopause itself.

How to Know if Menopause Has Started

The definitive way of knowing menopause has begun is if your menstrual period is absent for 12 consecutive months. “I recommend that women track their menstrual cycles each month, which will serve as an alert to irregular or absent menstrual cycles,” explains Anderson.

Even though menopause is a completely normal part of life,it may still feel overwhelming to some. Thankfully, there are ways to make the transition easier. “Both hormonal and non-hormonal therapies can be utilized to help alleviate the symptoms of menopause,” says Anderson.

For those transitioning into menopause, Anderson recommends 150 minutes of exercise each week, using a combination of walking and strength training. “This may improve blood sugar stabilization, enhance sleep, reduce risk of cardiovascular disease, aid in bone health and improve mood,” she says. She also recommends non-hormonal therapies such as herbs like maca, chaste tree, schisandra and red clover to reduce symptoms including hot flashes, night sweats and insomnia. “Vitamins and minerals like magnesium, vitamins B6, C and D can offer mood support as well as protection against loss of bone density,” adds Anderson.

Hormonal treatments are available as well, and usually involve the use of bio-identical hormones including estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. “During perimenopause, often the only hormone needed is progesterone to help balance estrogen and enhance the brain’s ability to cope with stress,” says Anderson. “Progesterone converts to a neurosteroid called allopregnanolone which can cross the blood-brain-barrier and act on GABA receptors to help calm the brain. This can help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and poor sleep.”

Those interested in trying either a non-hormonal or hormonal treatment during menopause or during the transition into menopause should speak with their doctor to come up with a plan that works for them.

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Named the average age of menopause in Russian women – Newspaper.Ru

Named the average age of menopause in Russian women – Gazeta.Ru | News

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Menopause is part of the menopause. It involves the final cessation of menstrual cycles in women, after which they can no longer bear children. The average age of menopause in Russia is 49-51 years old, an obstetrician-gynecologist at the Clinical Center of the Moscow State Medical University named after M.V. Sechenova Kristina Grigorieva.

Menopause occurs on average at the age of 40-50 years. At this time, female sex hormones are gradually produced in smaller and smaller quantities, ovarian function is lost, and menstruation becomes irregular until it stops completely.

“Climax cannot be delayed, the number of follicles is genetically determined, and as soon as they end, this period begins. Modern women want to have an active sex life, but against the background of the fading of ovarian function and other processes, this becomes problematic. They develop the so-called climacteric syndrome, which includes many different symptoms, ”said the obstetrician-gynecologist of the Clinical Center of the Moscow State Medical University. Sechenova Kristina Grigorieva.

Among the troubles experienced by menopausal women are hot flashes (hot flashes), sweating, sleep disturbances, emotional instability, decreased libido, and vaginal dryness and itching.

“For an easy menopause, it is important to lead a healthy lifestyle. I would recommend doing sports – about 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of high-intensity exercise per week, eat enough vegetables and fruits, limit salt intake. Constant sex can also help relieve the symptoms of menopause, since hormones of happiness are produced during sexual intercourse, ”Grigorieva noted.

For more information about how compatible the concepts of “menopause” and “sex”, how to cope with changes and learn to have fun – in material “Gazeta.Ru”.

Previously, sexologists found out how often sexual deviations occur in women.

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Climax.

What is important to know? | Blog

Climacteric syndrome (aka menopause) is a period in a woman’s life during which the work of the ovaries decreases and the amount of hormones they produce decreases. The main result of these physiological processes is the cessation of female reproductive function.

The period of menopause in most women occurs after 48-52 years. Its symptoms include hot flashes or sweating, as well as risks of developing serious illnesses. That is why menopause must be kept under control, visit a doctor regularly, and perform prescribed diagnostic procedures.

Stages and types of menopause

Menopause in women does not occur immediately. The climacteric period includes three main stages:

premenopause or premenopause. Menstruation does not stop, but ovarian function decreases. The stage lasts up to 2 years;

menopause. Caused by the cessation of menstruation. The beginning of the period is the absence of menstruation for 12 months. Usually occurs at 50-52 years;

postmenopausal. This stage is characterized by a further decrease in female sex hormones until the complete cessation of the functioning of the ovaries.

The duration and timing of these stages are individual and depend on various factors, including the woman’s lifestyle and health status.

Menopause is also distinguished by the severity of manifestations:

first or mild degree. It is characterized by infrequent (up to 10 times a day) hot flashes, which are the main manifestation of menopausal syndrome;

second degree or medium. Symptoms are more pronounced, and hot flashes are not the only manifestation of this condition;

severe or third degree. Signs of menopause are strongly pronounced, not limited to hot flashes, the number and frequency of which is quite large (more than 20 times a day). Working capacity decreases, the general state of health worsens significantly.

Symptoms of menopause

The preliminary stage (before menopause) often occurs without obvious signs. But it also happens vice versa, when a woman is worried about not one, but several symptoms at once. In addition, manifestations can differ significantly in different periods of time.

Early signs of climacteric syndrome include:

hot flashes, goosebumps, sweating;

rapid pulse;

headaches;

pressure surges;

sudden changes in mood;

sleep problems;

memory impairment;

decreased sexual desire.

When menopause occurs, menstruation stops in women. Other signs during this period of the development of the syndrome include the following:

dry skin, as well as mucous membranes of the genital and urinary tract;

pain during sex;

urinary incontinence;

muscle and joint pain;

hair loss.

In the future, after menopause, various complications of menopause are possible:

hypertension;

atherosclerosis;

osteoporosis.

Also increases the risk of developing diabetes, hearing, vision and mental abilities are reduced.

In order to prevent these diseases and problems, during menopause, women are advised to regularly visit their doctor in Kyiv, monitor their health and adhere to the prescribed treatment.

Diagnostics of menopause

Diagnostic examinations of menopausal syndrome are carried out by gynecologists of our clinic. They examine and interview the patient, establish the relationship between menopause and various manifestations of menopause. An important diagnostic task is also the identification of concomitant diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, etc.

During menopause, women may be prescribed various tests, including:

laboratory tests for hormones, lipid spectrum, coagulation;

cytological and microscopic: their aim is to exclude the presence of atypical cells in the cervix.

To exclude the development of complications of menopause, such types of studies as ultrasound of the pelvic organs, mammography, radiography of bone tissues, ECG are used.

Treatment of menopause

Menopause is a physiological process that occurs with age in any woman. Therefore, the therapeutic effect, as a rule, is aimed at minimizing negative manifestations, that is, facilitating the course of menopause. So with a mild degree of the syndrome, special treatment may not be required at all. In the presence of minor complaints about the general state of health appoint:

hormone replacement therapy;

vitamins, especially A, C and group B;

physiotherapy, including massage, exercise therapy, etc.

A balanced diet is also recommended during menopause.

With a large number of unpleasant manifestations (moderate severity of menopause), antidepressants and medications that allow normalization of blood pressure may be indicated.

If you are concerned about menopausal syndrome, please contact our clinic in Kyiv. Specialists will help women reduce symptoms during menopause, prescribe the necessary tests and offer preventive measures that will reduce the risk of various complications.