It is a time of physical transition which may bring a new focus to a woman's life. This phase occurs over several years. Menopause may occur in younger women due to early ovarian aging, surgical removal of the ovaries, or radiation and chemotherapy for certain cancers.
Smoking can also cause earlier menopause.
Combined with other natural body changes due to aging, the decreased production of estrogen at the time of menopause may present women with effects ranging from minor discomfort to serious risks. Each woman's menopause will be unique, depending not only on her general health and outlook but also on her body's pace in transition. The perimenopause phase is marked by irregularity of menstrual periods and fluctuating menstrual blood flow. Though these are all natural and normal effects of the body's changing estrogen production, they may also be signals of some abnormal development. A woman experiencing painful or inappropriate bleeding for her should consult her physician.