The Stages of Menopause

This is the first phase of menopause, also referred to as the menopause transition, beginning anywhere from seven to ten years before menopause. Most often it begins when a woman is in her 40’s, which is when the ovaries slowly become less responsive to the hormonal signals from the brain that usually tell the ovaries to produce estrogen. This can cause more erratic estrogen production by the ovaries that generally declines over time. Menstrual cycles may still occur during Postmenopause and pregnancy is still possible. Signs perimenopause is ending include increasing symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and consecutive months without your menstrual period.

Menopause is a single point in time that is marked by the final menstrual period. At menopause, your ovaries stop releasing eggs and estrogen levels drop, ending your menstrual period. Once you reach menopause, you are no longer able to get pregnant because the body is no longer able to ovulate. You may be surprised to learn that menopause can only be diagnosed in retrospect. That is because the final menstrual period is only confirmed once you have gone 12 full months without a period. Once 12 months passes, you can say you reached menopause 12 months ago with that final menstrual period.

This is the final phase of menopause and lasts through the remainder of your life. Postmenopause starts after the final menstrual period but is only officially known after you’ve experienced 12 consecutive months without a period. It is also common to say “in menopause” when referring to people who are postmenopausal. Menopausal symptoms tend to last approximately two to seven years, but eventually decrease as you continue through postmenopause.

Women might begin to experience changes in their normal menstrual cycle including irregular periods, heavier or lighter periods, as well as worsening PMS symptoms. Breast tenderness is another common symptom. Signs perimenopause is ending can be more time between periods, increased hot flashes, hair changes, weight gain and vaginal dryness.

The most important symptom that defines menopause is the end of menstrual periods. The most common symptoms around this time include vaginal dryness, hot flashes, night sweats, difficulty sleeping, urinary urgency, bladder leaks, emotional shifts and changes in libido.

During the final phase of menopause, hormone levels remain low as your ovaries are making very little estrogen and progesterone. Menopausal symptoms can begin to decline over time, however, many symptoms can linger for years after the final menstrual period. It’s important to seek medical advice if menopausal symptoms persist and negatively impact your daily life.

HRT is one of the most common ways to treat hot flashes and restore hormone levels during menopause. Estrogen plays a large role in HRT therapy and progestin therapy. Progestin is a synthetic, lab created hormone that mimics progesterone in the body. Progestin is added to estrogen in HRT to reduce the risk of uterine cancer in women who still have their uterus.

Certain antidepressants related to SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) can decrease hot flashes. This can be a good option for women who can't take estrogen.

Creams, tablets or rings with estrogen can be applied directly to the vagina and can relieve vaginal dryness, urinary symptoms, UTIs, and discomfort during intercourse.

This medication is typically used to treat seizures but has also been shown to reduce hot flashes.

This medication comes in a pill or patch form and is normally used to treat high blood pressure but can also help with hot flashes. It is not used as often due to increased side effects.

Both important while going through menopause and entering life postmenopause. Supplements such as Vitamin D can help strengthen bones and regular exercise can benefit your heart and bones as well as boost overall mood.