From the Guidelines
The menstrual cycle typically starts around age 13 and ends with menopause, which usually occurs between ages 45 and 55, with the average age being 51 years old. This beginning of menstruation, called menarche, marks the start of reproductive capability in females and is triggered by hormonal changes during puberty, particularly the release of estrogen from developing ovaries 1. The end of menstruation, menopause, is defined as 12 consecutive months without a period and occurs when the ovaries stop producing significant amounts of estrogen and progesterone.
Key Points
- The timing of both menarche and menopause can vary widely among individuals due to genetic factors, nutrition, overall health, and environmental influences.
- Some girls may start menstruating as early as 8 or as late as 18, while menopause can occur naturally in the early 40s or late 50s.
- During the transitional years before menopause (perimenopause), menstrual cycles often become irregular before stopping completely.
- The median age of menopause in women in the United States is 51 years (range, 41 to 59 years) 1.
- The average woman in the U.S. who reaches menopause has a life expectancy of nearly 30 years 1.
Considerations
- Menstrual cycle irregularities can be influenced by various factors, including hormonal changes, lifestyle, and certain medical conditions.
- Menopause can be confirmed after 12 consecutive months without a period, and it marks the end of a woman's reproductive period.
- Women who are approaching menopause or have reached menopause should discuss their individual risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy with their healthcare provider 1.
From the Research
Menstrual Cycle Characteristics
- The menstrual cycle typically starts between the ages of 11 and 16 in most girls, with the average age being around 12 years old 2.
- The menstrual cycle usually ends with menopause, which typically occurs between the ages of 46 and 55 years, with the average age being around 51 years old 3.
- Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is characterized by the cessation of menses before the age of 40 years 4.
Age-Related Menstrual Cycle Changes
- As women approach menopause, they may experience changes in their menstrual cycle, including shorter or longer cycles, and heavier or lighter bleeding 5.
- Women with a later age at menopause tend to have a longer period with regular cycles preceding menopause than women with an early menopause 6.
- Menstrual cycle characteristics in adolescence and early adulthood, such as shorter and more regular cycles, are associated with an increased risk of early natural menopause 2.
Menopause-Related Symptoms and Health Issues
- Menopause is associated with a range of symptoms, including hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and mood fluctuations, as well as an increased risk of chronic health problems, such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease 4, 3.
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) are commonly used to manage menopausal symptoms and prevent chronic health problems 4, 3.