Perimenopause, Menopause, & Postmenopause
Did you know that “menopause” technically refers to one, specific event in a woman’s life? Did you know that there are actually 3 stages of menopause? Before you panic over 3 times the hot flashes, we’ll break it down for you. There are 3 stages of menopause, and what most women call “menopause” is actually perimenopause. After perimenopause is stage 2, menopause, followed by the final stage, postmenopause. Read on to find out what occurs during each of these stages and where you may currently stand.
Stage1: Perimenopause
Perimenopause is the first stage of the process and actually means “around the end of menstruation” (Reader's Digest). According to Mayo Clinic, the average woman is 47 when she reaches perimenopause. During this time, your menstrual cycles will still occur, but irregularly. Those frustrating side effects, like mood swings and vaginal dryness, typically begin during perimenopause. While some of the symptoms taper off after menopause, others like vaginal dryness may continue to worsen as you age.
Some common symptoms include:
- Irregular Periods
- Vaginal Dryness
- Hot Flashes
- Mood Swings
- Weight Gain
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, talk with your Doctor about available options. If you’re experiencing painful sex, try Replens™ Vaginal Moisturizer to relieve vaginal dryness.
Stage 2: Menopause
The term “menopause” technically refers to a specific event, and that is your last period. According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, “menopause can be confirmed when you have missed your period for 12 consecutive months”. At this point, you have officially gone through menopause. The average age of menopause in the United States is 51 (Mayo Clinic).
Stage 3: Postmenopause
Postmenopause is the third and final stage and means “after the end of menstruation”. This is the time from menopause (the last period) through the end of a woman’s life. During this time, women often have an increased risk of health problems such as heart disease and stroke. It is important to take care of your health through menopause and beyond in order to reduce these risks. It is also important to note that, according to WebMD, “after more than 1 year of no menstrual periods due to menopause, any vaginal bleeding is considered abnormal”. If you experience this, visit your doctor.
Remember ladies, menopause doesn’t have to be all bad. While some of the symptoms can be frustrating, others can be managed! For example, Replens™ Vaginal Moisturizer can provide relief for vaginal dryness. If you are experiencing painful sex and ongoing discomfort, using Replens Vaginal Moisturizer can help provide immediate alleviation and long lasting vaginal moisture.
The Vibrant Voice Ambassador’s mission is to collect interesting stories and useful articles that are relevant for mature women. Our goal is to help you maintain an active lifestyle - to Fifty and Beyond!
Chat with us on
Facebook,
Twitter and
Google+