Menopause

• Why do menopause symptoms occur?

  Every woman experiences menopause differently. Some women may not experience any noticeable symptoms, while others may feel as if they are experiencing every listed symptom of menopause. Symptoms can last for a few months or several years and are caused by changes in the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Recent studies show that 15 percent of females have bothersome hot flashes into their 80s. Changes in hormones are a result of aging or are medically induced through medication or an operation.

• When can I expect to experience menopause?

  Women are usually in their late 40s or early 50s when the menopause transition starts. However, earlier menopause can be the result of surgery, cancer treatment, or family genetics.

• Will having a hysterectomy cause menopause?

  A woman who has a hysterectomy, but keeps her ovaries does not have menopause right away. Because your uterus is removed, you no longer have periods and cannot get pregnant. However, your ovaries might still make hormones, so you might not have other signs of menopause. Later on, you might have natural menopause a year or two earlier than usually expected. A woman who has both ovaries removed at the same time that the hysterectomy is done reaches menopause right away. Having both ovaries removed is called a bilateral oophorectomy. Women who have this operation no longer have periods and may have menopausal symptoms right away.