Menopause is a normal ageing process. Nevertheless, it is not something that occurs in one day. Depending on your age, you usually experience a few changes in your body, and your periods finally come to an end.
The first sign for some women is a change in their monthly periods. In others, it can be an inability to sleep, a sudden hot flash or mood swings. These symptoms may be mild in one individual and be very uncomfortable for another.
With the first signs of menopause and its three stages known, these changes may become more understandable.
What Is Menopause?
It is when menstrual cycles cease permanently that a woman is said to have reached menopause. This is because the ovaries gradually produce lower amounts of the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
It is generally agreed that a woman is in menopause when she has gone 12 months without her menstrual period. The period preceding this is termed perimenopause.
Menopause is not a disease. It is a usual part of life. Nonetheless, changes in hormones that occur during this period can lead to symptoms that can influence day-to-day life.
What Are the Symptoms of Menopause?
Changes in periods are a common thing that women may notice. One month, you might have a period sooner than usual, and the next month it may be later than usual. It can also be heavier or lighter.
Other early symptoms may be:
- Hot flushes or a sudden feeling of warmth
- Sweating at night
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Feeling more irritable or having changes in mood
- Vaginal dryness
- Discomfort during sex
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes in sexual desire
- Joint or muscle pains
All the symptoms will not be present in everybody. Some women have a minimum number of problems, whereas others experience multiple changes simultaneously.
What Do You Mean by the Three Stages of Menopause?
The menopause period is generally described in three phases, namely, perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause.
1. Perimenopause
Perimenopause means “around menopause.” It is the time before menopause.
At this stage, hormone levels are starting to vary. Your menstrual cycles can be less predictable. You may miss a month or observe that the amount of bleeding has varied.
Hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disorders and mood swings may also begin during perimenopause.
It is also possible that you may get pregnant during this phase, as ovulation might still occur. The process of perimenopause may take a number of years before the last menstrual period.
2. Menopause
You attain menopause when you have not had a period for 12 consecutive months and there is no other medical cause for the missed periods.
Menstrual periods have stopped by this stage, and the ovaries release much less estrogen and progesterone.
Certain symptoms that started in perimenopause might persist. They include hot flushes, difficulty with sleep, vaginal dryness and changes in mood. However, the experience is different for each woman.
3. Postmenopause
Postmenopause is the next stage, which commences after menopause and lasts for the rest of a woman’s life.
Some symptoms of menopause may gradually become less evident. Others, like vaginal dryness, might persist.
Reduced levels of estrogen following menopause are also associated with alterations in bone and heart health. Regular health examinations, particularly at a later age, are therefore important.
Do You Need to Talk to a Gynecologist?
Menopause is not an illness, but it does not imply that you have to live with unpleasant symptoms.
You can consider discussing your concerns with a gynecologist when your sleep is disrupted by hot flashes, vaginal dryness makes you uncomfortable, or you have mood changes that disrupt your everyday activities. Medical advice should also be sought in case of very heavy bleeding, bleeding between periods or vaginal bleeding after menopause.
All these symptoms may not necessarily indicate that something is amiss. Nonetheless, a check-up can assist in determining the reason and provide you with peace of mind.
Menopause Care and Gynecology Services at Magnet Health
Menopause can create many questions relating to periods, hormones, sleep and various modifications in your body. At Magnet Health’s gynecology clinic in the Bronx, women can enjoy a safe and confidential environment where they can get specialized gynecological services.
Final Thoughts
Menopause manifests itself differently in different women. Some of the more common signs are irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, sleep trouble and mood changes.
It occurs in three phases: perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause. This knowledge of these stages can enable you to be informed about what will change.
Most importantly, listen to your body. When a symptom is uncharacteristic of you, difficult to handle, or concerns you, discuss it with a medical practitioner. The transition through menopause can then be made easier with the right guidance.
