What Are the Three Stages of Menopause?

Many people use the term “menopause” to refer to what is actually a multi-stage process. Menopause occurs in stages, meaning many women are surprised to begin experiencing symptoms earlier than expected. At Tideline Center for Health & Aesthetics, we can help you feel like yourself at every stage of menopause, offering the expertise of our intimate health providers. Here is what to know about the three stages of menopause and what you can expect.

Perimenopause

Perimenopause is the beginning of menopause, marking the transition from your normal menstrual cycles to full cessation. At this stage, estrogen begins to fluctuate, and your periods may become more unpredictable. Think of perimenopause as a “slowing down” of your reproductive system as it gradually moves toward menopause. It’s important to note that you can still become pregnant during perimenopause, even if your periods seem to stop and start randomly or halt for a few months.

Perimenopause can begin as early as your mid-30s, but it could begin well into your 50s. Most women begin perimenopause in their 40s. The length of time you spend in perimenopause before reaching menopause can vary widely – some women spend only a few months, while others may spend years. If it happens earlier than 40, it’s considered premature menopause. It can bring about symptoms such as:

• Irregular periods
• Mood swings or low mood
• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Difficulty sleeping
• Lower libido
• Urinary urgency
• Vaginal dryness
• And more

These symptoms can occur at any stage of menopause, but they begin in perimenopause.

Menopause

Menopause is the full cessation of periods for at least 12 consecutive months. It indicates that you’re no longer fertile, and your ovaries have stopped releasing eggs and producing hormones. It can cause many of the same symptoms as perimenopause, such as hot flashes, trouble sleeping, mood swings, and vaginal dryness. However, menstrual periods will cease altogether. If you experience bleeding at this point, it’s important to see an intimate health provider since it may indicate a different health problem.

The average age of women who enter menopause is 52 in the United States. Symptoms can last for up to 10 years (including perimenopause), although some women experience symptoms for shorter amounts of time.

Post menopause

Post menopause is the phase where your symptoms begin to ease, and your reproductive system settles into the state it will remain in for the rest of its life. You may still have symptoms, but many women find them to be less intense. Some women have no symptoms. During this time, women are at a higher risk for osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease, in part because of lower levels of estrogen. An intimate health provider can help you take steps to lower your risks and supplement hormone levels to manage your symptoms.

Menopause Treatment at Tideline Center for Health & Aesthetics

To meet with our intimate health providers and learn more about how we can help you manage the different stages of menopause, contact our office today. We conveniently serve the greater Queens, NY and Long Island areas.