Menopause, often seen as a natural milestone in a woman’s life, marks the end of menstruation and fertility. Menopause is far more than just the cessation of periods; it’s a significant life transition affecting hormone levels, body shape, and mental health.
In this guide, we’ll explore menopause symptoms, causes, and effective management strategies to help you navigate this stage with confidence.
What Is Menopause?
Menopause refers to the cessation of menstruation for 12 consecutive months and marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. It typically occurs between ages 45 to 55, but some women experience early menopause or late menopause due to medical conditions or lifestyle factors.
The broader transition, known as the climacteric phase, includes perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause.
The 3 Stages of Menopause
Menopause is a gradual process that occurs over several years, divided into three key phases:
1. Perimenopause (The Transition Phase)
This phase precedes menopause and can last several months to years. Common symptoms include:
- Irregular periods (shorter, longer, heavier, or lighter than usual)
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Mood swings and anxiety
- Changes in sexual function (vaginal dryness, lower libido)
- Sleep disturbances
2. Menopause (Official Transition)
Menopause is confirmed after 12 months without a period. Symptoms peak as hormone levels drop significantly, leading to:
- Hot flashes and chills
- Vaginal dryness
- Sleep difficulties
- Brain fog and memory issues
- Weight gain and metabolic changes
3. Postmenopause (Beyond Menopause)
This stage follows menopause and lasts for the rest of a woman’s life. While some symptoms ease, others persist, including:
- Bone loss (osteoporosis risk increases)
- Heart health concerns
- Continued vaginal dryness and low libido
The Stages of Reproductive Aging Workshop (STRAW), established in 2001, provides a useful framework for understanding the different stages of menopause, including premenopause, perimenopause, and postmenopause.
Causes of Menopause
Menopause occurs naturally as part of aging, but it can also be triggered by medical interventions or conditions:
- Natural Aging: The number of ovarian follicles declines, reducing estrogen and progesterone levels.
- Surgical Menopause: Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) or oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries) causes an abrupt menopause.
- Cancer Treatments: Chemotherapy and radiation can damage the ovaries, leading to early menopause.
- Ovarian Insufficiency: Autoimmune conditions or genetic disorders may cause premature ovarian failure.
How to Know if You Are in Menopause
It can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint when you’re entering menopause, especially during perimenopause, when menstrual cycles may become irregular. Common signs include:
- Irregular Periods: Periods may be shorter, longer, heavier, or lighter.
- Hot Flashes and Night Sweats: Sudden sensations of heat, often accompanied by sweating, anxiety, or chills.
- Sleep Disturbances: Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep due to hormonal fluctuations.
- Mood Changes: Increased irritability, anxiety, and even depression.
- Vaginal Dryness: A common symptom of reduced estrogen levels, which can affect sexual health.
- Loss of Libido: A decrease in sexual desire is common during menopause due to hormonal changes.Sudden hot flashes and night sweats
- Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
- Difficulty sleeping
- Vaginal dryness and discomfort during intimacy
- Unexplained weight gain or metabolic changes
Less common symptoms:
- Cold flushes
- Tingling in extremities
- Fatigue
- Decreased libido
- Thinning hair
- Burning mouth
- Missed periods
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Anxiety
- Changes in spatial awareness
- Low mood and depression
- Crawling sensation on skin
- Tinnitus (ringing in ears)
- Brittle nails
- Changes in taste (e.g., metallic taste)
- Breast tenderness
- Change in body odor
The Science Behind Hot Flashes
Hot flashes, a hallmark symptom of menopause, occur due to estrogen fluctuations affecting the hypothalamus (the brain’s temperature control center). This leads to sudden vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), resulting in intense warmth, sweating, and chills.
Managing Hot Flashes & Other Menopause Symptoms: Hot Flashes, Mood Swings & More
To reduce discomfort, consider:
- Natural Supplements
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) (this is not for everybody consult a doctor for risks & benefits)
- Lifestyle adjustments: Maintaining a cool environment, wearing breathable fabrics
- Dietary changes: Adding phytoestrogen-rich foods like soy, flaxseeds, and legumes
- Exercise & stress reduction: Yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises
Do You Need Tests to Confirm Menopause?
Perimenopause is a clinical diagnosis, meaning that tests are not always necessary. However, if you’re experiencing symptoms and need clarity, certain hormone tests can provide additional insights. I encourage blood tests to exclude any other medical conditions and to use it as a baseline line to monitor improvement:
Inhibin B: A hormone that regulates FSH levels and decreases as ovarian reserve declines.
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): Typically measured on day 3 of the cycle, FSH helps assess ovarian reserve. However, normal levels may still appear if estrogen is high.
Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH): Produced by pre-antral follicles, AMH levels reflect the number of remaining eggs and decline with age.
Antral Follicle Count (AFC): An ultrasound test that counts small resting follicles, giving an estimate of ovarian reserve.
Take Control of Your Menopause Journey
While menopause is a natural phase, you don’t have to suffer through it alone. With the right guidance and strategies, you can manage symptoms effectively and improve your overall well-being.
The best time to test is on day 21 of your cycle. To get the most accurate picture of your hormone health, I recommend completing our personalized quiz and bloodwork prior to your consultation, this will be sent when you make an appointment.
Book a consultation today for personalized menopause support and expert care.
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