For generations, women anticipated menopause as they would an impending storm. They braced themselves, hoped to be spread the worst of it, then sat tight until it passed. Now, finally, that attitude is dissipating. Still, we cannot forget that the hormonal shifts of the menopausal years do have the power to disrupt some lives. And there is deepening concern that, as estrogen wanes, heart disease and osteoporosis become major threats to all women. But, now, thanks to a better understanding of the menopausal process, we can take action to counter the assault.
Strictly speaking, a woman reaches menopause on the date of her very last period, usually by age 50 or 51. But, because estrogen production declines gradually—and periods can be missed before they actually stop—you cant be sure you have passed menopause until you have been period-free for an entire year. At this point, you know the ovaries’ estrogen production has dropped too low to stimulate the endometrial lining of the uterus in preparation for pregnancy.
Of course, the menopausal years stretch far beyond this point, in both directions. Many women first notice their bodies changing during their forties. And the physical and emotional changes can last up to ten years after their last period. In fact, for many women the menopausal years will account for up to one-third of their lives.