Natural menopause occurs when the monthly cycle of ovulation comes to an end. The main idea is that whether you are experiencing early signs of menopause or not, life has to go on. For some women, hot flashes can be severe and quite frightening. To stray on the side of caution, waiting until one full year has passed without bleeding is usually recommended to fully confirm menopause.
The age when the signs of perimenopause occur varies among women. But since pregnancy is not out of the question, be sure to consider that possibility as well, and don’t just assume you are entering menopause if you miss a period. Schedule regular visits with your doctor during the years leading up to menopause (perimenopause) and the years after menopause (postmenopause) for preventive health care as well as care of medical conditions that may occur with aging.