Understanding the Menopausal Transition
The menopause is a natural phase of life when women stop having periods and experience hormonal changes such as a decrease in oestrogen levels. It usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 and typically lasts between four and eight years, although it can last longer. Every experience will be different and menopausal symptoms can begin before the age of 40. Perimenopause, or menopause transition, begins before the menopause.
Menopause is a point in time 12 months after a woman's last period. The years leading up to that point, when women may have changes in their monthly cycles, hot flashes, or other symptoms, are called the menopausal transition or perimenopause.
The duration can depend on lifestyle factors such as smoking, age it begins, and race and ethnicity.
Understanding Perimenopause
During perimenopause, the body's production of estrogen and progesterone, two hormones made by the ovaries, varies greatly. Ovulation may become erratic and then stop. The menstrual cycle lengthens and flow may become irregular before your final period. Symptoms are caused by the changing levels of hormones in the body.
Perimenopause is when you have symptoms of menopause but your periods have not stopped. Perimenopause ends and you reach menopause when you have not had a period for 12 months. Along with insomnia, headaches, and hot flashes, you might also experience mental or emotional symptoms, such as: changes in concentration or ability to focus. trouble with memory. mood swings and difficulty regulating emotions.
The menopausal transition affects each woman uniquely and in various ways. The body begins to use energy differently, fat cells change, and women may gain weight more easily. You may experience changes in your bone or heart health, your body shape and composition, or your physical function.
Although for many women this is a natural life change, for some women the menopause may be medically induced. Surgery such as a hysterectomy or chemotherapy/radiotherapy treatment can affect women in younger age groups, creating severe symptoms in some cases. So, for some it is not a ‘natural life change’ or transition and this makes the psychological aspect more important. It is therefore a very personal transitional phase in an individuals’ life.
- Peri-menopause: The time leading up to the end of an individual’s periods when changes start to happen.
- Menopause: Happens on the day after they have not had a period for 12 months if under 50 years old or two years if under 50.
- Post-menopause: The rest of the time after the day of menopause. Symptoms may continue for a long time during the post-menopausal period and may never completely disappear.
- Premature menopause: Can happen naturally, or because of illness, medication or surgery.
- Andropause - The Male Menopause. (Note the Andropause is not covered in this guidance)