Menopause facts for kids

Menopause is a natural time in a woman's life when her body stops having periods. It's a permanent change. During this time, the levels of female hormones in her body go down because her ovaries stop working the way they used to.

What is Menopause?

When Does Menopause Happen?

Menopause is a natural part of aging for women. It usually happens around the age of 45 to 55. It's a gradual process, meaning it doesn't happen all at once.

Why Does Menopause Occur?

Menopause begins when a woman's ovaries stop releasing eggs each month. This is a normal part of the body's life cycle. When the ovaries stop releasing eggs, they also produce fewer female hormones.

How Does Menopause Affect the Body?

Physical Changes

Because of the changes in hormone levels, women might notice some differences in their bodies. These can include:

• Feeling sudden warmth, often called "hot flashes."
• Having a faster heartbeat, known as palpitations.
• Changes in sleep patterns.
• Sometimes, bones can become less strong.

Emotional Changes

Women might also experience changes in their mood. They might feel:

• More easily annoyed or frustrated.
• Changes in how they feel emotionally.
• It can sometimes be harder to focus or concentrate.

These changes are a normal part of the body adjusting to new hormone levels.

Images for kids

• 

  Bone mineral density, especially of the vertebrae, decreases with menopause

• 

  Bone loss due to menopause occurs due to changes in a woman's hormone levels.

See also

In Spanish: Menopausia para niños