Menopause is not a sudden change. During the months or years before menopause (perimenopause), your ovaries start to run out of eggs. Your body makes less estrogen and progesterone. This may bring on symptoms, such as hot flashes. You’ve reached menopause when you have not had a period for 1 year. From that point on, you are in menopause.
Perimenopause
In the years leading up to menopause, your ovaries make less estrogen. You release fewer eggs and your periods become less regular.
Symptoms you may have
-
Heavier or lighter periods
-
Longer or shorter time between periods
-
Hot flashes
-
Mood swings or depression
-
Night sweats
-
Insomnia
-
Vaginal dryness, which may make having sex uncomfortable or painful
-
Urinary changes, such as incontinence or urinating more often
-
Migraine headaches
-
Joint pain
Postmenopause
After menopause, you make very little estrogen. As a result, the uterine lining doesn't get thicker, and your periods have ended.
Symptoms you may have
-
No periods
-
Vaginal dryness, which may make having sex uncomfortable or painful
-
Hot flashes
-
Mood swings or depression
-
Night sweats
-
Insomnia
-
Urinary changes, such as incontinence and urinating more often
-
Joint pain
-
Memory loss or trouble concentrating
Surgical menopause
Menopause occurs if you have your uterus removed. But symptoms of menopause happen only if the ovaries are also removed. This causes a quick drop in the amount of estrogen and progesterone. This drop causes sudden and severe symptoms.
Featured in
Online Medical Reviewer: Daphne Pierce-Smith RN MSN
Online Medical Reviewer: Rajadurai Samnishanth Researcher
Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Turley Jr PA-C
Date Last Reviewed: 01/01/2025
© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Need Help? We're Here for You
Our Member Services team is here to help you understand your benefits, find care, or resolve concerns.
1-800-510-9132
Call NC Quitline
Need support to quit smoking, vaping, or to quit other nicotine products? You can receive support including medicines free of charge:
1-800-784-8669
Schedule Transportation
Need transportation to a doctor's office, pharmacy, or other covered healthcare service? Contact us to arrange your ride.
1-800-510-9132
Provider Directory
Need to find a provider like a Primary Care Physician, Specialist, OB/GYN, or a Psychiatrist?
Provider DirectoryRelated Articles
Low Estrogen Levels in Menopause
In addition to regulating the menstrual cycle, estrogen affects the reproductive tract, the urinary tract, the heart and blood vessels, bones, breasts, skin, hair, mucous membranes, pelvic muscles, and the brain.
Understanding Menopause
During the months or years before menopause, your body goes through many changes. Read on to understand these changes and what you can do about the symptoms that result.
When You Have an Abnormal Pap Test
The Pap test is a screening test that checks for cell changes in the cervix, which is the opening of the uterus.
What Is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)?
PID is an infection of the reproductive organs. Left untreated, it can cause severe damage to the body, including infertility.
