You’ve probably heard of menopause, but aside from periods stopping, how much do you really know about it? Menopause happens when the body produces significantly less oestrogen and progesterone, triggering a range of changes.
There are four stages of menopause: pre-menopause, perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause. While the average age for menopause is 51, it can happen earlier, and some medical treatments can trigger what's called medical menopause.
Pre-Menopause
Pre-menopause is often the most overlooked stage. It occurs before perimenopause and is marked by subtle changes, such as slight variations in your period length or flow. It’s the body’s early signal that change is coming, but symptoms can be so mild that many people don’t notice them.
Perimenopause
Perimenopause is more well-known and can bring a variety of symptoms, though not everyone experiences them. These include hot flushes, mood swings, sleep issues, memory lapses, vaginal dryness, and skin changes. People might also notice their periods becoming irregular, heavier, or featuring more clots. This stage typically can begin in your 40s and lasts about 4-5 years. The hormonal shifts during perimenopause are the main cause of these symptoms. A tip: keeping some lube handy can make sex more comfortable if you're experiencing vaginal dryness.
Menopause
Menopause itself is actually a single point in time—it marks 12 months since your last period. The average age for menopause is 51.
Post-Menopause
The day after you reach menopause, you enter post-menopause, a phase that lasts for the rest of your life. With the ongoing drop in oestrogen levels, you might notice long-term effects on your sexual health and overall well-being. In fact, many women spend about a third of their lives in this post-menopausal state.
Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)
Previously known as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) is a modern approach to managing menopause symptoms. The treatments have evolved since the 1980s and now use bioidentical hormones, which are highly effective with minimal side effects. MHT can help smooth out the hormone fluctuations in perimenopause and reduce symptoms. Since everyone's menopause experience is unique, MHT offers different hormone combinations tailored to your needs. Chat with your healthcare provider to see if it’s a good fit for you.
Progesterone Creams
There are also over-the-counter progesterone creams available that some people find helpful for managing their symptoms.
Lifestyle Changes and Natural Supports
For some people, lifestyle changes can help manage menopausal symptoms. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise, like aerobic activity, yoga, and strength training, can ease the severity of symptoms. Simple environmental adjustments, such as dressing in layers, using fans, and drinking cool liquids, can offer relief from hot flushes. Avoiding triggers like spicy food, alcohol, and smoking may also help. Mind-body practices, including yoga and mental health support, can improve both physical and emotional well-being during menopause. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice about exercise and diet.
Further Reading
For more information, you can explore these resources: