Differentiating Between Perimenopause, Menopause And Post-Menopause

Menopause is a normal stage in every woman’s life. Yet, most women do not have much information about it. Does it start in the 40s? What are its symptoms?

To put it simply, natural menopause takes place in the following stages:

Perimenopause or Menopause Transition:

In the majority of cases, a woman gets perimenopause or menopause transition in her 40s. However, it can start in the 30s as well.

Perimenopause starts almost eight to ten years before menopause. This is the time when the ovaries create less estrogens. It lasts until menopause. During the last stage of perimenopause, women start to experience menopause symptoms. Keep in mind, the menstrual cycles still occur at this stage. Therefore, women can get pregnant.

Menopause:

Menopause is that stage when a woman’s ovaries stop producing eggs and estrogens. In addition, she no longer has her monthly menstrual cycle. In other words, she is not fertile any more.

Menopause is a sign of aging and typically occurs between late 40s to early 50s. But, some women may experience it earlier due to surgical intervention, such as from chemotherapy.

Here are some signs of menopause:

• Hot flashes
• Vaginal dryness
• Night sweats
• Insomnia
• Irritability and mood swings
• Mild depression
• Dry skin or mouth
• Headaches
• Weight gain
• Hair loss or thinning

Postmenopause:

Postmenopause follows menopause. It is when a woman has not had her menstrual cycle for a year.

Most menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes stop at this stage. That being said, women have a high risk of developing health conditions, such as heart disease due to low estrogen. Medication can help treat some of these conditions. But, it is important to talk to a doctor before taking any medication. 

The possibility of becoming pregnant is nonexistent at this stage. For those not wanting to become pregnant, the use of birth control until menopause helps. On the other hand, it is possible to have a baby during perimenopause. There are many advanced fertility-enhancing techniques that can increase your chances of getting pregnant.

For more information on pregnancy related issues, check out Brisbane Livewell Clinic. Specialising in alternative form of medicine, the clinic offers a wide range of services, including naturopathy, bowen therapy and fertility acupuncture in Brisbane.

Brisbane Livewell Clinic focuses on a holistic approach to health. All practitioners provide personalised plan and professional support to help their patients get back on track.