In women, menstrual cycles occur on a monthly basis starting from twelve years of age. There are many reasons why the cycle can temporarily stop. On the other hand, it stably ends when the woman enters menopause, which takes place between 45 and 55 years of age. The following steps will tell you how to know if your periods have stopped.
Steps
Step 1. Consider the hormonal changes that cause the interruption of the cycle
When hormone levels change, changes in the menstrual cycle can occur. The alterations of the hormones that stop the cycle momentarily occur in case of pregnancy, loss or gain of weight and stress.
- Analyze your sexual activity to determine if you are pregnant. Pregnancy is the most common cause that justifies the absence of the menstrual cycle.
- Determine if you have lost weight or gained excess weight. Excessive weight loss or obesity can cause a temporary interruption of the menstrual cycle.
- Avoid subjecting yourself to too stressful rhythms. Stress affects hormone levels and, therefore, the menstrual cycle.
Step 2. Determine if you are going through perimenopause
Perimenopause is the time frame in which the hormonal changes that lead to menopause begin. Women begin to undergo hormonal changes roughly 5 to 10 years before the menopause phenomenon.
- Analyze your night's rest period. Waking up in the middle of the night because the body has become excessively hot and dripping with sweat is a symptom of perimenopause.
- Check your body temperature. When there is a general feeling of heat and redness spread throughout the body, even in the absence of fever, it could be a flush. Hot flashes are also usually symptoms of perimenopause.
- Write down the details of the menstrual cycle starting at age 40. In short, shorter, heavier, or irregular cycles can occur as estrogen and progesterone levels drop. A change in the menstrual cycle may indicate the entry into perimenopause.
- Take note of the beginning and the end of the cycle. Also note the duration and whether it was a regular cycle. On average, the menstrual cycle lasts 28 days. The blood flow during this period can last between 3 and 5 days. Menstrual periods that are too long or short can be another symptom of perimenopause.
- Pay attention to your energy levels. Fatigue is one of the most common signs of menopause. It consists of a feeling of weakness and lack of energy.
Step 3. Track when your last menstrual cycle occurred
Menopause occurs after an absence of menstruation for a period of 12 months or more.
Step 4. Consider your age to determine if you are entering menopause
Menopause begins around the age of 50, but it can take place and last even from the mid-forties to the mid-fifties. If you have had symptoms of perimenopause, you are between 45 and 55 years old, and you have been in a period of no menstrual cycle for at least 12 months, then your periods have stopped.
