Perimenopause is the first stage of menopause. It typically begins several years before menopause starts, usually when a woman is in her 40s, but can begin as early as the 30s as well. The hallmark of perimenopause is hormonal fluctuations. During this stage, the ovaries begin to make less estrogen. Perimenopause lasts up until menopause, when a woman has gone 12 months without a period. Some key things that happen during perimenopause are:
The duration of perimenopause varies but averages around 4 years. Diagnosis is usually based on symptoms. Blood tests of hormone levels may be done to confirm.
Menopause is the next phase, defined as the point when woman has gone 12 full months without her menstrual period. In the U.S, the average age of menopause is 52. When menopause starts, the ovaries stop releasing eggs and producing most of their estrogen. Menopause signals the end of fertility. Common symptoms are:
The early part of menopause lasts around a year for most women. Blood and urine laboratory tests can confirm if unclear. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms.
Postmenopause is the third phase, starting once a woman has been without her period for 12 months. At this point:
In postmenopause, some effects that may grow over these years are:
The average duration of postmenopause lasts decades - essentially until the end of life. Maintaining bone, brain, heart, and sexual health are key goals of managing this stage with lifestyle approaches like exercise and nutrition, and medical therapies as needed.
Experiencing unpleasant menopause symptoms? The caring medical team at Balance Hormone Clinic provides customized treatment plans to help women manage menopause safely and effectively. Contact us today to learn more about hormone replacement therapies, non-hormonal options, complementary approaches, and more. Let us help you thrive through perimenopause, menopause, and beyond! Visit to get started.
