Demystifying Menopause: Exploring the Three Phases of the Menopause Transition
- michgerber1
- Apr 8
- 2 min read
Did you know that the term "menopause" actually only refers to one specific moment in time?I certainly didn't when I started this journey.
Before we dive in to explore more about menopause and how to manage diet and exercise during this transition, I thought it would be helpful to fully understand all the terms that we hear so much about when we speak about menopause.
The Three Stages: Perimenopause, Menopause, and Post-menopause
The transition through menopause is typically divided into three distinct phases:
1. Perimenopause: The Transition Period
Perimenopause is described as the transition between when you start to experience symptoms of menopause and your actual period stopping.
When it starts: This phase usually starts in a woman's 40s, though it can start earlier for some. During this time, ovarian function begins to decline.
How long it lasts: Up to 10 years, varying by individual.
Hormonal Changes: The primary hormonal shift during perimenopause involves fluctuating levels of estrogen. These levels can vary significantly from month to month, sometimes being higher and sometimes lower than usual. (An exciting roller-coaster ride!). Progesterone levels also begin to decline. These changing hormone levels are responsible for many of the symptoms associated with perimenopause such as irregular periods, hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and mood changes.
2. Menopause: The Definitive Point
When it starts: Menopause is reached when a woman has experienced 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period.
Duration: Menopause itself is a single point in time, defined by the absence of menstruation for a year.
Hormonal Changes: At this stage, both estrogen and progesterone levels have significantly decreased and remain consistently low. The ovaries have largely stopped releasing eggs and the producing our reproductive hormones. While some perimenopause symptoms still persist, the roller-coaster of fluctuating hormones becomes less pronounced.
3. Post-menopause: The Years Following
When it starts: Post-menopause begins after menopause has been reached (after 12 months of no periods) and continues for the remainder of a woman's life. It is essentially a new biological state.
Duration: This is a lifelong phase.
Hormonal Changes: During post-menopause, estrogen and progesterone levels remain consistently low. While the hormonal instability of perimenopause is over, the long-term effects of reduced estrogen can become more relevant. This includes an increased awareness of bone health and cardiovascular health. Vaginal dryness may also be a more persistent concern in this phase.
I hope that you found this information useful and that it helps you start your own journey of understanding this incredible transition.
References for further reading:
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