The process of menopause can be divided into three stages, each with their own characteristics and symptoms. These are important to know because every stage needs to be treated differently to avoid difficulties while going through them.
Perimenopause
The first stage is called perimenopause (peri- meaning around), the period immediately before and the first year after menopause. At this phase, the hormonal balance in women starts to change: estrogen production decreases, cycle disturbances become stronger, and typical symptoms such as the notorious hot flashes of different severity and strength, mood swings, exhaustion, and muscle and joint issues may appear. The cycle might become irregular and longer. The duration of perimenopause varies between two and five years and begins a few years before actual menopause. Experts say that there is still a chance for pregnancy as spontaneous ovulation can occur occasionally.
Menopause
Menopause is when menstruation stops completely. This is determined 12 months after the last menstrual period. An adequate biological marker for the event does not exist.
Postmenopause
Postmenopause comes after menopause or one year after the last spontaneous menstruation. It may induce hot flashes, depressed mood, sleep troubles, sexual problems and changes in libido, dryness of the skin, urinary tract and vagina, exhaustion, muscle and joint complaints, incontinence, and occasionally hair loss and osteoporosis or loss of bone density.
The stages of menopause and their symptoms are much easier to cope with if we approach them consciously and with proper preparation. Knowing what we are dealing with is the key to a happy and stress-free life even during more difficult times.