Menopause is a normal biological process, not a disease or an illness. It’s not a single event. Rather, it’s a health milestone that marks the transition between two phases of a woman’s life. Menopause occurs when a woman ceases menstruating (having periods), although some women may experience menopausal symptoms before their period stops completely.  “It should be seen as an opportunity for a reassessment of your total health status,” says Elissa Gretz-Friedman, MD, Medical Director of Obstetrics/Gynecology Faculty Practice Associates.

Most women have their final menstrual cycle around age 50. You are considered “post menopausal” when you have not had a period for 12 months (or more). Perimenopause is the five-year period preceding your last period and is marked by a decrease and fluctuation of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. During this time, many women experience irregular menstrual cycles and menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes or insomnia.

Find out more about Obstetrics/Gynecology at Mount Sinai. Visit the Faculty Practice Associates Obstetrics/Gynecology.