Menopause happens in three stages: perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause.
Perimenopause is the transition phase with symptoms like hot flashes and irregular periods. Menopause is confirmed after 12 months without a menstrual period. Finally, Postmenopause follows and lasts for life, with lower estrogen, increasing health risks.
What is menopause?
When you have not had your period for 12 months in a row, you are said to be in menopause. The average age at which it occurs is 52. It happens naturally when your ovaries stop making reproductive hormones. The term "induced menopause" refers to menopause brought on by surgery or medical intervention.
Uncomfortable emotional and physical symptoms can result from menopausal hormonal changes. However, medication, natural menopause supplements, and lifestyle changes are some of the best recommendations available to help with natural menopause relief.
What are the three stages of menopause?
Menopause is the permanent ending of menstruation. If it doesn’t happen because of any type of medical treatment or surgery, the process is gradual and happens in three stages:
Perimenopause or Menopause Transition
Eight to ten years prior to menopause, perimenopause can start as your ovaries start to produce less and less estrogen. Usually, it begins in your forties. The duration of your perimenopause can range from a few months to several years. During the perimenopause, many people start experiencing symptoms like mood swings, hot flashes, and irregular periods.
Menopause
The end of your menstrual cycle is known as menopause. Your body doesn't make a lot of estrogen at this point, and your ovaries don't release any eggs. Menopause is diagnosed by a medical professional after you have not had your period for 12 months in a row. You do not remain in this stage, in contrast to the others, because menopause is a defined moment.
Postmenopause
This is the period following menopause. Postmenopause lasts for the remainder of your life. You may experience mild menopausal symptoms for years after the menopause ends, even though the majority of menopausal symptoms subside. Because of their low estrogen levels, postmenopausal women are more susceptible to heart disease and osteoporosis.
How can I tell if I'm going through menopause?
When you have not had a menstrual period for 12 months in a row, you will know you have entered menopause. If you experience any kind of vaginal bleeding following menopause, get in touch with your doctor. After menopause, vaginal bleeding may indicate a more serious medical condition.
Can I take natural menopause supplements?
Indeed, a lot of people take natural menopause supplements to help control symptoms like mood swings, hot flashes, and trouble sleeping. Always consult your healthcare provider before taking any supplement, especially if you have medical conditions, take medications, or are at risk for hormone-sensitive conditions. Natural doesn't always mean risk-free.
Conclusion
For those who have ovaries, both getting and losing a period are inevitable. Menopause is a natural transition that all women go through as they age. Perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause are the three main phases of menopause. The good news is that a healthy diet, consistent exercise, and lifestyle changes can help with natural menopause relief, regardless of the stage you are in.
FAQs
1. What is the typical age at which menopause occurs?
52 is the average age at which women in the US go through menopause. However, the mid-40s is typically when the menopause transition starts.
2. What is the duration of menopause?
You don't remain in menopause because it's a temporary state. You reach it after going a year without getting your period. You enter the postmenopausal phase shortly after menopause. You remain in this stage for the remainder of your life.
3. What Are the Signs of Menopause?
Signs of menopause include irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, sleep issues, mood changes, and weight gain. You may also notice memory lapses, low libido, dry skin, or hair thinning. Symptoms vary for each person. If you're unsure whether your symptoms are menopause-related, consult a healthcare provider.
What are the best ways to deal with menopause?
Menopause is experienced differently by each person. There isn't a single best thing you can do for it because it's so special. There are numerous natural menopause relief methods for managing uncomfortable menopausal symptoms. Your sister or best friend might not benefit from what you do. Discuss your symptoms with your healthcare provider, and then let them suggest the best course of action for you. You can also consider taking natural menopause supplements to relieve menopause symptoms.
