Are you struggling through your menopausal years?

Basically, menopause happens when a woman has gone 12 months without a period and occurs naturally and without medical intervention. This means that hormone levels, including estrogen, go down, which is a natural part of getting older. It happens to all women eventually! Usually, menopause hits between ages 40 and 58, with the average being 51.

There are three stages of menopause

1. Perimenopause, also known as the “menopause transition,” can start 8 to 10 years before menopause. During this time, the ovaries produce less estrogen, which can lead to symptoms such as hot flashes and irregular periods. Perimenopause typically occurs in the 40s and lasts until menopause, which is when the ovaries stop releasing eggs. Despite experiencing menopausal symptoms during this stage, individuals can still get pregnant because they are still having menstrual cycles.
2. Menopause is the point at which a person no longer has menstrual periods. The ovaries have stopped releasing eggs and producing most of their estrogen. Menopause is officially diagnosed when an individual has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period.
3. Postmenopause refers to the period after an individual has not had a period for an entire year, or the rest of their life after menopause. Menopausal symptoms may improve during this stage, but some individuals may continue to experience symptoms for a decade or more after the menopause transition. Lower estrogen levels during postmenopause increase the risk of health conditions such as heart disease and osteoporosis.

Overview of common menopause symptoms

Perimenopause and menopause symptoms can significantly impact various aspects of your life, such as relationships, social activities, family responsibilities, and work obligations. These symptoms can vary from person to person and may range from being completely absent to quite pronounced.

Perimenopause usually starts months or years before your periods stop, and one of the earliest signs is a change in your menstrual cycle, which can become irregular.

Eventually, periods will stop altogether.

Menopause and perimenopause can also cause several mental health symptoms, including mood changes, memory and concentration issues, and low self-esteem.

Additionally, common physical symptoms include hot flushes, sleep difficulties, palpitations, headaches and migraines, joint and muscle pain, weight gain, skin changes, reduced sex drive, vaginal dryness and discomfort, and recurrent UTIs.

Managing menopause symptoms can be challenging, but there are several strategies that can help alleviate discomfort and improve overall quality of life. Here are some tips:

1. Lifestyle changes: Making lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and managing stress can help reduce symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood changes, and vaginal dryness.
2. Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy involves taking estrogen or a combination of estrogen and progesterone to help regulate hormone levels and alleviate menopause symptoms. However, hormone therapy is not suitable for everyone, and it’s essential to discuss the risks and benefits with a healthcare provider before starting any hormone therapy.
3. Alternative therapies: Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, herbal supplements, and mindfulness techniques may help alleviate symptoms for some women. However, more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of these approaches.
4. Medications: Some medications such as low-dose antidepressants and medications used to treat high blood pressure can help manage menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and mood changes.
5. Vaginal lubricants: Vaginal dryness and discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter vaginal lubricants and moisturizers.

It’s essential to talk to a healthcare provider to determine which options are best for you and your specific symptoms. With the right management strategies, menopause can be a manageable and comfortable transition.

Embarking on the journey through menopause can be filled with uncertainty and questions. To help you better understand your unique experience and provide personalized guidance, we have created the Menopause Diagnostic Quiz. This quiz will assist you in determining whether you may be in perimenopause, menopause, or postmenopause, based on your symptoms and personal situation.