The Wechseljahre are a transition over several years rather than a single event, because the ovaries slowly reduce their work and the hormones estrogen and progesterone fall step by step. Periods first become irregular and then stop altogether.
The last period is called the Menopause, and it comes on average around age 51, while the years of change before and after it are the Wechseljahre, medically the Perimenopause.
How this phase feels differs enormously from woman to woman, and these are the changes women report most often:
- Hot flashes are among the most common complaints.
- Sleep problems are one of the frequent complaints.
- Mood swings often come with the hormonal change.
- The cycle itself changes before the periods stop completely.
- Skin and hair often change during these years as well.
Some women notice very little of the transition. None of this is an illness, but the complaints are real and they can be discussed and treated, so nobody has to leave them untreated.
Doctors usually recognise the Wechseljahre from age, cycle history and symptoms. Blood hormone values can help in unclear situations, for example when periods stop early or symptoms start well before 45.
Because hormone levels change strongly during this phase, a single value only describes one moment, so your gynaecologist is the right person to interpret it.
Related reading in this glossary is PCOS, another common hormonal topic, and the Referenzbereich, which explains how to read any lab value.
This glossary entry is general information, not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat or rule out any condition. Discuss your own results with a clinician who knows your history.
