Menopause and you

Menopause is a natural part of aging that marks the end of the female reproductive years. It is a gradual process that typically occurs in three stages: perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause1. Here is what you can expect during each stage:

Perimenopause: This transitional period, which marks the early stages of menopause, can last for years — sometimes even a decade. You may start to have menopause-like symptoms like irregular periods, hot flashes, and more. Not everyone experiences noticeable symptoms during perimenopause, but they can include: irregular periods or skipped periods, more or less bleeding than usual during periods, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, frequent urination, sleep problems, mood changes, including irritability or depression.

Menopause: You’ve reached menopause when you haven’t had a menstrual period for one full year (in the absence of any other medical condition or medication that would have an impact on your periods). Your ovaries have stopped producing most of their estrogen and no longer release eggs.

Postmenopause: Once you’ve hit menopause, you enter the post-menopausal stage. Your symptoms will most likely lessen and eventually go away; though, you’re now at an increased risk for conditions like osteoporosis and heart disease.

It’s important to note that every woman’s experience with menopause is unique. If you have any concerns or questions about menopause, it’s best to consult with one of our providers here at Woman to Woman.