What is menopause?
Menopause is technically one day of a woman’s life. The day she hits one full year without a period is the day she reaches menopause. After that, she is in post-menopause. However, “menopause,” as it is commonly referred to, is the natural process a woman’s body undergoes as her ovaries gradually produce less estrogen and eventually stop releasing eggs.
The menopause transition is composed of three different stages:
Stage 1
Estrogen production Fluctuates
The first stage of menopause can last anywhere from one to seven years. Most women begin seeing signs of perimenopause in their 40s, but it’s not uncommon for women to see signs of early menopause in their 30s as well.
During perimenopause, estrogen production fluctuates and the first signs of menopause begin to appear. Your symptoms could include:
- Hot flashes
- Mood swings
- Sleep disturbances
- Vaginal dryness
Stage 2
12 consecutive months without a period
Once your body has gone a full 12 months without a period, you’ve reached menopause. During this time, your ovaries stop releasing eggs and your estrogen levels remain low, leading to a wide range of symptoms that could include:
- Hot flashes
- Aches & pains
- Mood swings
- Sleep disturbances
- Weight gain
Stage 3
Estrogen production levels out
During the years after menopause, most women see a reduction in their hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances.
Signs of post-menopausal health risks can be tough to spot, but because the body’s estrogen levels remain low, there are several new health conditions women in post-menopause need to be aware of, including:
- Increased risk of heart disease
- Increased risk of osteoporosis
More on menopause symptoms
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