Although menopause is a normal part of aging, it makes most women feel like something is not quite right. Many women have weird questions popping in their heads like: Am I okay? Do I need to see a doctor? Is it normal?
Every woman’s experience with menopause differs, from when you start noticing the symptoms to the intensity or nature of your symptoms. But you can typically identify where you are in the process by some symptoms.
You can better prepare for and manage your symptoms if you know what stage of menopause you are in. Additionally, it might assist you in determining what is typical and when it would be wise to consult a women’s health expert at a menopause clinic.
What Is Menopause?
Your menstrual cycles come to a stop during the menopause. It is diagnosed once it has been a year since your last period. Menopause typically occurs in your 40s or 50s.
While it is a normal biological process, menopause’s physical and mental symptoms, such as hot flashes, can cause low energy levels, emotional health problems, and sleep disturbances. Numerous efficient therapies are available, ranging from hormone therapy to lifestyle changes.
Menopause officially sets in when a woman has gone an entire year without having her period and can no longer conceive naturally. Unpleasant symptoms of menopause include hot flashes and weight gain. The majority of women do not require medical therapy for menopause.
Menopause Stages
Perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause are the three stages of menopause. Let us take a deeper look at what occurs in each of them.
Perimenopause
Before menopause, perimenopause is when the first symptoms appear. Usually, this phase begins 4–8 years before menopause.
You may begin to experience some early menopausal symptoms, such as changes to your menstruation or mood swings when you enter perimenopause. Your body’s natural drop in estrogen and progesterone levels is what causes these changes. Your body adjusts when the amount of these hormones your ovaries make decreases.
Menopause
Menopause is the term used to describe the period-free phase. Because post-menopausal begins after a woman has gone 12 months without a period, the menopause phase only lasts for a year.
When you reach menopause, you can no longer become pregnant or bear children. Every woman will experience menopause, except those whose ovaries were removed before adolescence.
Post-Menopause
Post-menopause, meaning “after menopause,” is when it has been a full year since your last period. Your reproductive years stop with post-menopause, and you will remain in this stage for the remainder of your life. You cannot get pregnant because you are no longer ovulating – although your ovaries still produce low quantities of progesterone and estrogen hormones.
Menopause Symptoms by Age
As your body gradually produces fewer reproductive hormones, menopause symptoms develop over time. Here is a list of possible menopause symptoms broken down by age.
Age 40
- Changes in period flow and timing
- Hot flashes
- Irregular sleep
- Mood changes
Age 45
- Changes in period (heavier or lighter flow)
- Mood changes
- Lower sex drive
- Insomnia
Age 50
- Chills and hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Weight gain
Age 55 and above
- Thinner hair and skin
- Vaginal sensitivity or dryness
- Problems with pelvic floor muscles
Wrap-Up
It might be difficult and subjective to decide if and how to treat menopausal transitional symptoms. With your doctor, discuss symptoms, medical background, and preferences. Regardless of your decision, book an annual appointment with your doctor to discuss your treatment plan and any changes you want.
