A woman's body changes throughout her lifetime. Many of those changes are due to varying hormone levels that happen at different stages in life.
Puberty often starts when a girl is about 12 years old. Her body changes - breasts and pubic hair develop, monthly periods begin.
Perimenopause is the time when a woman's body is close to menopause. At this time, a woman's periods may become less regular, and she may begin to feel menopause-like symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats. Perimenopause usually begins about 2 to 4 years before the last menstrual period. It lasts for about 1 year after your last period.
Menopause is marked by a woman's last menstrual period. You cannot know for sure what is your last period until you have been period free for 1 full year.
Postmenopause follows menopause and lasts the rest of your life. Pregnancy is no longer possible. There may be some symptoms, such as vaginal dryness, which may continue long after you have passed through menopause.
