STAGES OF THE MENOPAUSE

Perimenopause

Perimenopause is the phase before a woman actually goes through menopause and usually starts several years before. It is when the ovaries gradually make less of the hormones which control a woman’s periods: oestrogen and progesterone. The drop in oestrogen levels causes the signs usually associated with the menopause.

Women on average will be in their 40s when perimenopause starts but this can happen earlier in some cases. The perimenopause will usually last for around 7 years but changes are often more noticeable for an average of 4 years. However, for around 1 in 10 women perimenopause lasts for up to 12 years.

Perimenopause ends when a woman has gone 12 months without having a period.

Menopause

Menopause is when a woman has gone 12 months without experiencing a period and so the menopause technically only lasts for 1 day. The average age for this to occur is 51.

Postmenopause

The postmenopausal years are all those following the menopause. During this stage, changes experienced during perimenopause usually ease and disappear after 2-3 years, although for some women aspects like hot flushes may continue for longer. Low oestrogen has an impact on brain, bone and heart health and can increase the risk of a number of health conditions. It’s important for those transitioning through menopause to keep on top of their health and wellbeing.