Written by Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Specialist: Gabriella Sanchez - February 03, 2023
####Can You Still Be Going Through Menopause at 60?
Yes, it is possible to be going through menopause at the age of 60. Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, but can occur in some women as early as 40 or as late as 65.
Menopause is a natural process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. It is when the ovaries stop producing estrogen, causing menstrual periods to become irregular and eventually to cease altogether. During this time, women experience several physical, emotional and psychological changes such as vaginal dryness, hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and sleep disturbances.
The first symptoms of menopause often start around age 45-55 with the cessation of regular menstrual cycles. However, for some women these symptoms can appear much earlier in life, sometimes even in their thirties or forties. This phenomenon is called ‘premature menopause’ and can be caused by cancer treatments like chemotherapy or radiotherapy as well as autoimmune diseases such as Lupus or Sjögren's syndrome.
At 60 years old it is possible that you are still experiencing perimenopausal symptoms leading up to full blown menopause. This transition period may last anywhere from two to eight years before menopause has been confirmed. Symptoms could include:
During this time it is important to have regular checkups with your doctor in order to rule out any medical conditions that could be contributing to your symptoms (such as thyroid disorders). Your doctor will likely order a blood test which measures hormone levels like estradiol and FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) in order to monitor your progress through menopause.
There are also many treatment options available for those who are having difficulty managing their symptoms. These include hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which can help regulate hormone levels and reduce hot flashes and night sweats; lifestyle modifications such as stress reduction techniques; dietary changes; vitamin supplements; certain herbal remedies (suchas black cohosh); prescription medications; acupuncture; and more recently laser treatments like diVa Vaginal Health Rejuvenation Therapy from BHRT Pro Center .
It is important to remember that all women go through different experiences during this transitional period and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to managing menopausal symptoms at any stage in life—so speak with your healthcare provider about what might work best for you.