3 Phases of Menopause and What Signifies Each Phase?

Many misclarifications are swimming around on the internet and even in real life with regards to what signifies the onset of menopause. In fact, some may not even know that there are three phases to menopause!

In today's article, we delve into what signifies each of these 3 phases, and what to look out for while going through them!

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Phase 1: Perimenopause

Perimenopause is the first phase of menopause and typically begins in a woman's 40s or earlier. This phase is marked by irregular menstrual cycles and fluctuations in hormone levels, specifically estrogen and progesterone.

During perimenopause, a woman may experience a range of symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and sleep disturbances.

The primary signifying factor of perimenopause is the gradual decline in ovarian function and egg production. As a result, fertility decreases and pregnancy scares start going away. However, it's important to note that it is still possible during perimenopause, albeit with lower odds.

Phase 2: Menopause

Menopause is officially diagnosed when a woman has gone without a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. On average, menopause occurs around the age of 51, but it varies from person to person.

During this phase, the ovaries stop releasing eggs, and hormone production decreases significantly. As a result, estrogen and progesterone levels remain consistently low.

The most notable signifier of menopause is the cessation of menstrual periods. However, other symptoms may persist or intensify, such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, reduced libido, vaginal dryness, and thinning of the vaginal lining.

Some women also experience cognitive changes, including memory problems and difficulty concentrating.

Phase 3: Postmenopause

Postmenopause begins one year after the last menstrual period and continues throughout the rest of a woman's life.

During this phase, the symptoms experienced during perimenopause and menopause generally stabilize, although they may gradually decrease over time. The hormone levels remain low and stable, with estrogen being the most affected hormone.

The significant signifier of postmenopause is the long-term absence of menstrual periods. Women in postmenopause are no longer fertile and cannot conceive naturally.

However, it's important to note that contraception is still necessary for women who engage in sexual activity if they wish to prevent pregnancy.

Knowledge is KEY!

Understanding the phases of menopause and the accompanying changes can help women navigate this transitional period with greater awareness and seek guidance where necessary.

Don't hesitate to reach out to Surety for help or tips on how to overcome this troubling period of your life!

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Important Notes:

This article is meant purely for informational purposes and should not be relied upon as medical advice. Always consult a medical professional for specific advice on your health.

This article has not been reviewed by any medical professionals or legal bodies.