Menopause

Perimenopause is the first stage of this transition.

Perimenopause is the period of time when women transition between having regular menstrual cycles and entering menopause. During this phase, the hormones produced by the ovaries can fluctuate considerably and can bring physical and emotional changes.

Each woman experiences these changes differently. For some this means irregular menstrual cycles. Perimenopause transitions into menopause when 12 consecutive months have passed without a menstrual period.

While the body adapts, some women may experience symptoms including hot flashes, brain fog, or perimenopause anxiety.

Menopause is confirmed after a person has 12 months without a period.

Menopause is an important stepping stone in the health and life of women.

Menopause is the end of ovulation when there are no active eggs left and stop releasing eggs. It is a retrospective diagnosis, made when a woman has not had a period in 12 months marking the end of a woman’s reproductive life.

In the years leading up to this transition, women can experience fluctuations in estrogen and other hormones.

It is important to keep in mind that every women’s experience of menopause is different and it’s important to speak with a General Practitioner about the symptoms being experienced.

The most common symptoms include:

• Hot flashes
• Mood swings
• Vaginal dryness
• Pain during intercourse
• Urinary symptoms
• Diminished libido
• Joint pain
• Irritability
• Headaches
• Night sweats
• Memory loss
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Hair loss

Help and support for women during this often-challenging transition is provided by offering treatment advice on:

• Hormonal options
• Non-hormonal options for treatment
• Lifestyle changes
• Natural therapies

The goal is to help implement integrated strategies to help manage symptoms in a holistic approach.

Post-menopause is the menopausal transition’s final phase, from 12 months after an individual’s last period to the end of their life.

Post-menopause includes the years following menopause.

This stage is one where the symptoms of menopause start to subside, although for some women they may also continue for an average of four to five years. Fortunately, they also decrease in frequency and intensity.

Decreased levels of estrogen increase the risk for a number of health conditions including osteoporosis and heart disease.

This is time where longevity medicine, a holistic approach and bio markers of aging can be combined to optimise and thrive in a women’s later years.