Stage 1 - Perimenopause
Perimenopause, commonly known as the transitional stage, typically begins in a woman's late 30s to early 40s. During this stage, a woman's body prepares for menopause as the ovaries produce less estrogen and hormone levels fluctuate. This can lead to physical and emotional symptoms, some more commonly discussed than others:
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Irregular periods: Menstrual cycles may become shorter or longer, and flow may be heavier or lighter.
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Hot flushes and night sweats: Sudden waves of warmth and/or sweating, often accompanied by a racing heartbeat and flushed cheeks.
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Mood swings: Hormonal fluctuations can affect mood, often leading to increased irritability, and feelings of anxiety and depression.
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Muscle tension: As hormone levels fluctuate, muscles can become tense & tight, causing pain & discomfort.
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Sleep disturbances: Sleep patterns can become disrupted with hormonal changes and insomnia may arise.
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Vaginal dryness: The decrease in estrogen can thin the vaginal lining and cause dryness, leading to discomfort during intercourse.
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Fatigue and brain fog: The body experiences a lot of changes which may leave a woman feeling tired and mentally foggy, finding themselves more forgetful than usual.
- Low libido and sexual dysfunction: With hormonal and physical changes, sexual desire can diminish and sexual arousal and orgasm can become more difficult to achieve.
During perimenopause, it is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle as the body is experiencing a variety of changes. Regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, using healthy stress management techniques, and open communication with healthcare providers can help manage the symptoms effectively. Look for products with specific perimenopausal support, such as Estrovera, to provide relief from symptoms that are commonly experienced during this stage.
Stage 2 - Menopause
Menopause is officially diagnosed when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months, usually occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. The ovaries stop releasing eggs, and the body's reproductive hormones (such as estrogen and progesterone) decline significantly. During this stage, the symptoms may include:
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Urinary changes: As pelvic floor muscles weaken, some women may experience urinary incontinence or an increase in urinary tract infections.
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Hot flushes and night sweats: While often starting in perimenopause, they can persist even during early menopause.
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Sleep disturbances: Sleep patterns can become disrupted with hormonal changes and insomnia may arise.
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Vaginal dryness: The decline in estrogen levels can thin the vaginal lining and cause dryness, leading to discomfort during intercourse.
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Mood changes: Hormonal fluctuations can affect mood, often leading to increased irritability, and feelings of anxiety and depression.
- Fatigue and brain fog: The body experiences a lot of changes which may leave a woman feeling tired and mentally foggy, finding themselves more forgetful than usual.
Lifestyle modifications can help to manage some common menopause symptoms, with medicines and supplementation also playing a part in menopause management. Avoiding triggers like caffeine and spicy foods, wearing layered clothing to manage temperature changes, and practicing relaxation techniques, can provide relief. A trusted healthcare professional can also provide recommendations to help you manage symptoms.
Stage 3 - Postmenopause
Postmenopause in the final stage of menopause and refers to the period after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, typically in a woman’s late 50s to early 60s. Most menopausal symptoms begin to subside at this point, and the body reaches a new equilibrium. In this stage, it's important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and manage potential long-term health risks such as osteoporosis. This is the time to take care of yourself and your needs, and may be a good time to schedule regular health check-ups and undertake age-appropriate health tests (i.e. bone density screening, mammograms and pelvic exams).
Menopause is a journey and each stage brings about new changes. Every woman's experience is unique, and while 20% of women breeze through with little to no symptoms, another 20% experience severe symptoms and find it an incredibly trying time in their life1. To embrace the transition with confidence, understanding and acceptance is key. Support from loved ones, practicing self-care, and seeking medical guidance and healthcare when needed are key components of successfully navigating the journey through menopause.
References
- Symptoms of Menopause, Jean Hailes, 19 August 2022
