The Wechseljahre describe a transition, not a single event. Over several years the ovaries slowly reduce their work, the hormones estrogen and progesterone fall step by step, and periods first become irregular and then stop. The last period is called the Menopause, and it comes on average around age 51. The years of change before and after it are the Wechseljahre, medically the Perimenopause.
How this phase feels differs enormously from woman to woman. Common companions are hot flashes, sleep problems, mood swings, cycle changes and changes in skin and hair. Some women notice very little. None of this is an illness, but the complaints are real and can be discussed and treated, so nobody has to simply push through them.
Doctors usually recognise the Wechseljahre from age, cycle history and symptoms. Blood hormone values can support the picture in unclear situations, for example when periods stop early or symptoms start well before 45. Because hormone levels swing strongly during this phase, a single value is a snapshot, and your gynaecologist is the right person to interpret it.
Related reading in this glossary: 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.
