What is Perimenopause and Menopause?

What is Menopause?

•    Every woman who lives long enough experiences menopause – defined as one year and one day after their last period when hormone levels that have been fluctuating erratically during perimenopause, eventually plummet to very low levels.
•    Typically, it occurs around age 51, although the timing can vary widely. Early menopause (before age 40) can occur due to factors such as genetics, medical conditions, or surgical removal of the ovaries (hysterectomy).
Menopause and perimenopause are natural stages of life, but they can have a significant impact on a woman's physical and emotional well-being.

What is Perimenopause?

•    Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause that typically starts in a woman's 40s, but can begin earlier or later. During perimenopause, hormone levels, particularly oestrogen and progesterone, begin to fluctuate and decline, leading to changes in the menstrual cycle and various symptoms.
•    Perimenopause can last for several years, with the average duration being around four years, but it can range from a few months to more than a decade.
•    Fertility declines during perimenopause, and women may experience changes in their menstrual cycle, including shorter or longer cycles, heavier or lighter periods, or skipped periods.

Symptoms of Menopause and Perimenopause

Symptoms of perimenopause can vary widely among women. While some women have very few mild symptoms, about 25% can experience severe symptoms.
•    The most common symptoms include hot flushes, night sweats, joint pain, intimate health changes, increased anxiety and mood changes, sleep disturbances, weight gain, and changes in hair, nails and skin.
•    Symptoms of menopause are similar to those of perimenopause but may be more pronounced.

How is Menopause Diagnosed?

•    Your doctor can usually diagnose Menopause based on your symptoms. Sometimes your doctor will order hormone blood tests, especially if you are under 45 years old or if you do not have typical symptoms.