It is normal to miss your period at this age. It means that you have entered the menopause. The menopause is the time of life when menstruation stops. Periods will not stop suddenly. It is not uncommon for women to miss their period for two or three months, and then to have a period again. They will eventually stop altogether.
The average age for a woman to reach the menopause is between 50 and 52. It is not uncommon for women from the age of 45 onwards to reach the menopause and in some cases even women under the age of 30 reach the menopause. A woman is described to have reached the menopause once she has not had a period for one year.
During the lead up to the menopause there will be noticeable hormonal and biological changes in a woman's body. The symptoms include hot flushes, irritability and sweating. Hot flushes are a feeling of heat throughout the upper body including the face. Skin will become patchy and the heart may be subject to palpitations. Sleeplessness is also a common feature of the menopause. This in turn can lead to concentration problems and short-term memory loss. Vaginal discomfort is normal during this time and this will require treatment to stop it worsening.
The menopause marks the completion of ovulation. Oestrogen (the female sex hormone) levels fall and these levels affect the periods. There are a number of treatments available to women who find that their symptoms are severe. The most common treatment available is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). HRT is available in a cream or gel form, tablets or implants and simply replaces the lost oestrogen in the body. Women undergoing HRT need to be aware that because the oestrogen levels will increase again there will still be a chance of pregnancy occurring. Other treatments for symptoms of the menopause include synthetic hormones, medicines and lubricants.
The average age for a woman to reach the menopause is between 50 and 52. It is not uncommon for women from the age of 45 onwards to reach the menopause and in some cases even women under the age of 30 reach the menopause. A woman is described to have reached the menopause once she has not had a period for one year.
During the lead up to the menopause there will be noticeable hormonal and biological changes in a woman's body. The symptoms include hot flushes, irritability and sweating. Hot flushes are a feeling of heat throughout the upper body including the face. Skin will become patchy and the heart may be subject to palpitations. Sleeplessness is also a common feature of the menopause. This in turn can lead to concentration problems and short-term memory loss. Vaginal discomfort is normal during this time and this will require treatment to stop it worsening.
The menopause marks the completion of ovulation. Oestrogen (the female sex hormone) levels fall and these levels affect the periods. There are a number of treatments available to women who find that their symptoms are severe. The most common treatment available is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). HRT is available in a cream or gel form, tablets or implants and simply replaces the lost oestrogen in the body. Women undergoing HRT need to be aware that because the oestrogen levels will increase again there will still be a chance of pregnancy occurring. Other treatments for symptoms of the menopause include synthetic hormones, medicines and lubricants.
