by Ruth Trickey, N.D., Dip.Ac. with Karen McElroy, co-writer and researcher
Menopause
Menopause literally means stopping menstruation and has occurred once a year has elapsed since the last period. Menopause that occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 is considered normal. Premature menopause is when menstruation ceases before age 40.
This can occur if the ovaries fail prematurely; menopause can also be deliberately induced by drugs for medical reasons (e.g. to treat conditions such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids), or prematurely brought on surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and other drugs, or caused certain illnesses.
The years leading up to the menopause, when hormone fluctuations begin, are often characterized by menstrual cycle changes that vary from longer or shorter cycles to totally erratic menstrual patterns. This time is known as the peri-menopause and can sometimes be accompanied by mood changes and PMS, especially PMS-D symptoms.
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