What To Know About Menopause
Jul 29,2024
Read Time 3 Minutes
While the thought of no longer having a menstrual period may appeal to many women, going through the menopause transition isn’t always easy.
The National Institute on Aging says menopause, or the end of menstruation, is a natural process that usually occurs in women between ages 45 and 55. Understanding its stages and symptoms and how to get relief can help you navigate this life change with confidence.
Perimenopause Versus Menopause
The menopause transition covers three phases: perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause.
If someone says they’re “going through menopause,” most likely they mean they’re having the symptoms of perimenopause. Perimenopause starts 4 to 8 years before menopause, usually in your mid-40s. During this time, your ovaries make less estrogen and progesterone, which are key reproductive hormones. As these hormone levels drop, you might have symptoms like hot flashes, moodiness, and sleep problems.
Menopause is the official point at which you haven’t had a period for 12 months. The average age for menopause is 51, but the Endocrine Society says that natural, normal menopause can happen from ages 46 to 55.
Post-menopause refers to the years after menopause. While menopausal symptoms often become milder or even go away, it’s vital to keep seeing your doctor for preventive healthcare. During this stage of life, your risk for heart disease, stroke, and osteoporosis rises. Routine checkups can find health issues early when they’re easier to treat.
Symptoms Of Menopause
How do you know when you’ve started menopause? Many women suspect they’ve begun as symptoms develop. Signs differ from person to person, but common symptoms of menopause include:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Irregular periods
- Loss of bladder control
- Mood swings
- Sleep problems
- Vaginal dryness
- Weight gain
How To Cope With Menopause Symptoms
Even though menopause is a normal part of life, it can still be disruptive. A study by the National Menopause Foundation found that 75% of women experience hot flashes during menopause. Sixty-two percent say the symptoms interfere with their quality of life.
The good news is that you have options for managing the symptoms of menopause and maintaining your quality of life. The best treatment depends on your symptoms, family and medical history, and preferences. It helps to be mindful of your whole health needs and:
- Talk with your doctor. Together, you can decide if hormone therapy, antidepressants, or alternative medicine might work for you.
- Make lifestyle changes. Being more active, eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and consuming less refined sugar, processed food, and alcohol can all help control symptoms.
- Get enough sleep. Try going to bed at the same time each night and using a fan to help keep the room as cool as possible.
- Manage stress. Practicing mindfulness or yoga can help your sleep and keep other symptoms at bay.
To discuss menopause and any symptoms you have, schedule a visit with your primary care physician (PCP) or OB-GYN. To find a doctor, use the Find Care feature on the SydneySM Health app or anthem.com.
Every woman’s menopause transition is unique, but knowing the stages and symptoms of menopause helps each of us navigate this milestone with more confidence.
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Sources:
Endocrine Society: Menopause Map (accessed June 24, 2024): endocrine.org.
Mayo Clinic: Menopause (May 25, 2023): mayoclinic.org.
National Institute on Aging: What Is Menopause? (September 30, 2021): nia.nih.gov.
National Menopause Foundation: What do I need to know about menopause? (accessed June 24, 2024): nationalmenopausefoundation.org.
Office on Women’s Health: Menopause (February 22, 2021): womenshealth.gov.
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