What are the Stages of Menopause?
Perimenopause or “Menopause Transition”
Perimenopause, which happens before menopause, usually starts 5 to 10 years before menopause, (generally in your 40s) . During this time, ovaries' estrogen production fluctuates, slowly decreasing until they stop releasing eggs altogether at menopause. In the last couple of years before menopause, the fluctuations in estrogen levels intensify, leading to when many people will experience symptoms. Despite these changes, you can still have periods and get pregnant during perimenopause.
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Menopause
Menopause signifies the conclusion of menstrual cycles, attributed to decreased ovarian activity leading to reduced estrogen production. Healthcare providers typically confirm menopause after observing 12 consecutive months without menstruation, marking a significant milestone in a woman's life journey.
Postmenopause
This stage is known as postmenopause, which begins after a full year without a period (or after reaching menopause). While some menopausal symptoms like hot flushes may improve during this time, others may persist for a decade or more. Due to decreased estrogen levels, individuals in the postmenopausal phase face an elevated risk of health issues such as osteoporosis and heart disease.
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