Health in Your 40s

Take Care of Yourself During Transitional Times

Turning 40 is a milestone and often a time of transition. Your children may be growing up or you may be caring for your parents or considering a career change. One change that is inevitable is the transition toward menopause.

The average age of menopause for U.S. women is 51, with most women reaching this milestone somewhere between ages 45 and 55. You're considered "menopausal" when you haven't had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months.

But, before reaching this milestone, you can experience a number of changes for a full decade before your menstrual cycle finally stops. Every part of your body is affected, from your appearance to the health of your heart and bones.

Called "perimenopause," or the "menopause transition," this life stage is defined by physical, emotional and psychological changes. As your body's estrogen levels decrease, you may notice these changes: