Is it normal for a 45-year-old woman to stop having periods?
Generally speaking, whether it is normal for a 45-year-old woman to stop menstruating depends on the underlying cause. Menstrual cessation due to natural menopause is usually normal, whereas amenorrhea caused by pathological factors may indicate an abnormal condition. If any discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital and receive standardized treatment under a doctor's guidance. The detailed analysis is as follows:
Women around the age of 45 are typically in the perimenopausal stage, which represents a natural transition in the female life cycle, signaling a gradual decline and eventual end of reproductive capacity. During this period, menstrual cycles may become irregular before eventually stopping altogether—a process known as menopause. If a 45-year-old woman experiences this natural physiological change, the absence of menstruation is considered normal.
However, if a 45-year-old woman stops menstruating without noticeable menopausal symptoms, the cause could be related to thyroid dysfunction, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian insufficiency, or hormonal imbalances. These conditions require professional evaluation by a physician and appropriate diagnostic tests to determine the exact cause and guide suitable treatment.
If a woman aged 45 experiences absent menstruation, it is advisable to visit a hospital for abdominal ultrasound and blood tests to assess endometrial thickness and hormone levels, determining whether they align with menopausal status. Additionally, in daily life, increasing intake of foods rich in estrogen—such as soy milk and soybean products—can help supplement exogenous estrogen and alleviate clinical symptoms associated with declining estrogen levels.