The Three Stages of Menopause

From Perimenopause to Postmenopause: A deep dive into the three distinct stages

Ah, menopause—the word that sends shivers down the spine (or maybe that’s just a hot flash). But menopause isn't a one-stop destination. Before you get your "I Survived Menopause" badge, you’ll pass through three distinct stages: perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. Each stage comes with its own set of joys (ehem, I mean challenges). Here's a breakdown of the ride you didn’t ask for but will definitely want to know about.

Perimenopause: The Warm-Up

Think of perimenopause as your body’s way of saying, "Hey, big changes are coming, but I’m going to make this a slow burn." It’s the stage before full-blown menopause, where things start to shift—and not in a calm, orderly fashion. This stages can begin as early as your mid 30s and last anywhere from 5 years to a whopping decade. Ouchy. But not the worst thing most of us have lived through. We’ve got this!

What happens during perimenopause?

Hormonal Chaos: Estrogen, the queen hormone, decides to throw in some wild card moves and she isn’t alone. Progesterone and testosterone will also join in on the strike demanding recompense. During this stage all your sex hormone levels fluctuate leaving you guessing what’s next. One minute you're fine, the next you're yelling at your coffee machine for not working fast enough.

Cycle Shenanigans: Your periods get unpredictable. They might show up late, early, heavy, or sometimes not at all. It’s like playing menstrual roulette. Grrrrrrr

Symptoms on Symptoms: Hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, weight gain (specifically around the belly), and random emotional outbursts are common. "Am I crying because this movie I’ve seen 50 times is emotional or because my hormones are having a meltdown?" The answer is probably both. More on this, go to my 21 signs of perimenopause blog

The good news: Perimenopause means you’re still ovulating—just less predictably. So technically, you could still get pregnant, though it might feel like your body’s trying to prank you at this point. My of my friends are still on birth control not only for the obvious reason but also to manage the symptoms.

Menopause: The Main Event

Menopause itself is less of a stage and more of a moment—a milestone—a day. It’s the point when you’ve gone 12 consecutive months without a period. Congratulations, you’ve crossed the finish line...kind of.

What happens during menopause?

The Grand Finale: After your last period, your ovaries officially stop releasing eggs. Estrogen takes a nosedive, and your body shifts into a new hormonal gear.

More Symptoms: Vaginal dryness, decreased or increased libido, insomnia, and weight gain may become part of the package. It’s like getting a "Congratulations! You’ve hit menopause!" care package, except the goodies are things no one asked for.

The big deal: You’ve officially said goodbye to periods (hallelujah!). No more carrying around tampons or using condoms but you may still feel the symptoms of PMS at times as if you are going to start. But it just won’t materialize.

Postmenopause: The New Normal

Postmenopause marks the day after you’ve passed one-year period-free. This is your new phase of life, where you are no longer producing much estrogen, but the intense symptoms (like hot flashes) may begin to ease.

What happens during postmenopause?

Calming Down: The rollercoaster of hormone fluctuations starts to level off. Symptoms like hot flashes might still pop up but tend to become less frequent and less intense.

Health Concerns: Low estrogen increases your risk for certain health issues, like osteoporosis and heart disease, so staying proactive about your health is key. You may need to check in with your doctor about bone density and cholesterol levels more often.

The Upside: No more periods and no more pregnancy scares. And as your body settles into its new hormonal state, many women find they can reclaim their energy and focus on other parts of life without the constant interruption of hormonal havoc.

How to Survive and Thrive!

1. Embrace the Power of Humor: Whether you're navigating random hot flashes or sudden emotional meltdowns, laughter really is the best medicine. Sometimes, you’ve just got to laugh at the absurdity of it all.

2. Get Moving: Exercise can help manage weight, boost your mood, and support bone health, which becomes especially important in postmenopause. Yoga and Pilates are great for keeping those joints flexible while calming your mind.

3. Stay Connected: Talk to friends, family, or a support group. Chances are, someone else is going through the same thing, and sometimes swapping stories over a glass of wine (or herbal tea) makes the journey a little easier.

4. Consider Your Options: If the symptoms are affecting your quality of life, talk to your healthcare provider about options like hormone replacement therapy (HRT), lifestyle changes, or natural remedies that can help you find relief. There are so many ways to help restore your quality of life.

Finally Unmasking The Taboo

Navigating perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause can feel like trying to ride a three-stage rollercoaster blindfolded. Each stage is unique to each woman, and yes, occasionally ridiculous. But by understanding the differences and preparing yourself for each phase you’ll be able to approach the changes with a little more confidence—and maybe even a sense of humor.

After all, it’s not just the end of one chapter but the start of a whole new adventure!