Menopause and Lack of Periods

When does menopause start? How many periods do you have to miss that you know you are in menopause? Most women find it difficult entering into this new stage in life. As a woman is approaching menopause there are a lot of questions and a lot of misconceptions. Please read more to find out more about menopause and lack of periods.

No periods at 46, does this mean you are in menopause?

Not necessarily. Most women enter into the stage of menopause somewhere between the ages of 45 and 52 but irregular periods are very common even while approaching menopause. The menopause stage begins when menstrual have not occurred for twelve months.

menopause-and-lack-of-periods1 While approaching menopause your body goes through many stages that can produce a lack of periods and those can seem uncomfortable and concerning. Besides the hot flashes and the pain that sometimes occurs while entering menopause, menopause can be a difficult stage to adjust to. Just because you are 47 and have a sudden lack of periods does not mean that you are in menopause.

What causes missed menstrual cycle or periods when approaching menopause?

menopause-and-lack-of-periods2 On average a woman has 500 eggs in her ovaries. With the onset of menstruation woman begin to lose the eggs and sometime during late middle age the eggs run out. During the years preceding menopause the amount of estrogen produced around the eggs diminishes, this period is called the perimenopause period. This could cause a lack of a period. Having a lack of a period does not mean that you are menopause but it could mean that you are entering into that stage.

There are also many contributing factors that could cause a missed period or lack of periods. Stress, lack of sleep, fatigue and many other environmental elements can influence menstrual cycles. Also it is important to not forget that the mind and the body are all intertwined and can affect each other.

Does birth control affect periods?

The answer is yes. For many women taking birth control can alter the time, amount of blood and can cause irregular periods. Birth control pills can change the hormone levels in your body causing your body to react differently and causing menstruation to happen at different times.

Birth control pills alter the amount of estrogen in your body and stop the release of the egg from the ovary. They are many different types of birth control pills ranging in potency, combination of drugs and effectiveness. You should talk to your doctor to find out which pill is right for you.

Treatment for irregular periods while taking birth control

Nature has its own ways and certain things are unavoidable but there are certain lifestyle changes you can make to prepare yourself physically and mentally to adjust to those circumstances when they come.

Menopause and Lack of Periods3 Exercise, good food and solid relationships provide for a good and steady base that can preserve the body and help a woman have regular periods and move into the next stage when it comes and not before. It is important to center yourself and know your body. Yoga, walking, daily exercise combined with a healthy diet preserves the body and mind.

Besides physical fitness and emotional stability, there are alternative medicines that can help the body produce the chemicals it naturally produces. Not all of us have the time to exercise daily, spend time with family and eat a healthy diet. Some alternative medicines can give your body the nature boost and produce the chemicals naturally.

If your lack of periods persists or are concerned about the health risks then you should see a professional medical practitioner.