Understanding the Different Stages of Menopause

There is a transition period in every woman’s life where she’ll stop producing eggs, menstruation will significantly decrease or stop, and her body will produce less progesterone and estrogen, otherwise known as menopause. However, this transition doesn’t just happen overnight. In fact, there are three different stages of this transition, which can occur anytime between the ages of 45-60.
The Three Different Stages of Menopause
For women who are experiencing natural menopause, the process will gradually happen in three different stages. We've broken down each step to make it easy to understand.
Perimenopause: Perimenopause can begin anywhere between eight to ten years before you’ll actually experience menopause. This stage is when your body will start to produce less estrogen, but you’ll still get your period. The last year or two of this stage is when menopause symptoms will begin to occur more frequently. While the chance of pregnancy is lower, it still can happen during this phase.
Menopause: Menopause is a point when a woman no longer has her period. During this stage, your estrogen will be at an all-time low, and the ovaries will stop releasing eggs. Menopause is diagnosed once a woman has not had a period in 12 consecutive months.
Postmenopause: Once you’ve had a full year of not having a period, you’ll have entered the post-menopause phase. During this stage, many of the uncomfortable symptoms of menopause will ease up. However, you can still feel some symptoms of menopause for years after the official transition.
What Are the Symptoms of Menopause?
If you’re starting to transition into the stages of menopause, you might begin to see some changes in your body. In fact, at least two-thirds of women experience symptoms of menopause, which can include indications such as:
- Night Sweats
- Hot Flashes
- Constance Urge to Pee
- Vaginal dryness
- Insomnia
- Mood Swings or Depression
- Dry mouth, eyes, and skin
- Trouble Sleeping
How Do I Combat the Symptoms of Menopause?
The symptoms of menopause can be frustrating for many women, even changing their lifestyle and quality of life. Thankfully the symptoms can be managed without having to take any medications or drastically change your lifestyle. If you need some relief, try these ideas:
- Invest in Moisture-Wicking Pajamas: Having pajamas that not only make you feel comfortable and clean but can also alleviate any sweating or excess heat throughout the night is a game-changer for those going through menopause.
- Change Your Bedding: Keeping your body cool and comfortable ensures that you’re able to get a good night of sleep without being interrupted by night sweats or hot flashes.
- Avoid Certain Foods: By eliminating spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine, you can relieve some of the symptoms associated with menopause. If you don’t want to remove them from your diet completely, consider cutting them out at least four hours before bedtime.
- Talk With Your Doctor: If your symptoms are too persistent and you’re unsure how to get relief, it might be something more than simple menopause symptoms. Talk to your doctor about how you’re feeling to make sure you have the proper diagnosis.
If you’re looking for more ways to help alleviate your menopause symptoms, check out our blog listing the top ten tips to manage menopause.