The 3 Stages of Menopause: What to Expect in Perimenopause, Menopause & Postmenopause

Menopause is a natural part of aging, but that doesn’t mean it’s an easy transition. As hormone levels change, many women experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms that can feel confusing or even overwhelming.

Understanding the three main stages of menopause—perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause—can help you feel more prepared and empowered to manage what’s ahead.

 

Perimenopause

Also known as pre-menopause, perimenopause is the stage before menopause officially starts. For most women, this transition begins in the mid to late forties and lasts around three to five years.

 

However, there are some risk factors that can trigger perimenopause earlier, including:

• Smoking
• Family History
• Hysterectomy
• Past Cancer Treatments
  
  

During perimenopause, estrogen and progesterone levels begin to fluctuate, causing noticeable changes in the body and mood. This stage marks the beginning of the end of the reproductive years.

 

Common Perimenopause Symptoms:

• Irregular Periods
• Sleep Issues
• Mood Swings & Changes
• Hot Flashes
• Vaginal & Bladder Issues
• Declined Bone Strength
• Elevated Cholesterol Levels

 

Menopause

You’re considered to be in menopause once you’ve gone a full year or 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period (barring other causes such as illness or pregnancy). This typically occurs in a woman’s early fifties, though some may enter menopause as early as their mid-forties.

Menopause is marked by a significant drop in estrogen production, which is responsible for most of the symptoms women experience during this time.

 

Common Menopause Symptoms:

• No Menstrual Cycle
• Hot Flashes
• Night Sweats
• Mood Swings & Changes
• Weight Changes
• Continued Decline in Bone Strength

 

Postmenopause

While “menopause” is often used as a catch-all term, it technically refers to a single point in time—the end of a woman’s menstrual cycles. What most people think of as menopause—the phase that begins after that point and continues for the rest of a woman’s life—is actually called postmenopause.

During this stage, hormone levels remain consistently low, and the body continues to adjust to this new hormonal balance. Though some symptoms may lessen, others can continue or even worsen if left untreated.

 

Common Postmenopause Symptoms:

• No Menstrual Cycle
• Hot Flashes
• Weight Gain & Slowed Metabolism
• Urinary Issues
• Joint Pain
• Decreased Libido
• Decreased Bone Strength
• Digestive Issues
• Memory Issues & Brain Fog

 

Postmenopausal Treatment Options

Postmenopausal symptoms can wreak havoc on your body and daily life. Fortunately, there are several ways to ease postmenopausal symptoms and support your long-term health. Lifestyle changes like wearing layers to accommodate hot flashes or adding supplemental vitamins to your diet to help with your bone density can have an impact on your postmenopausal symptoms.

For many women, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the biggest help in regulating hormone levels and alleviating these frustrating symptoms. Every woman’s experience is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. If you’re struggling with symptoms or want to better understand your options, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider.

 

Menopause may be a natural part of aging, but you don’t have to go through it uninformed or unsupported. By understanding the different stages of menopause and the potential treatment options, you can manage the transition and feel your best in every stage.