Menopause signifies the end of a woman’s menstrual cycle. The term, ‘menopause,’ often refers to the changes and symptoms that take place during this time. Yet, contrary to popular belief many of these symptoms aren’t ‘normal.’ Yes, many women experience them, but it doesn’t necessarily mean they have to happen.
This further doesn’t mean menopause itself isn’t normal. In fact, menopause is a natural part of aging. After the age of 40, the ovaries will eventually stop producing eggs and menstruation will come to a grinding halt. But let’s dive a little deeper. What’s going on during menopause? And what can you do about the common symptoms that may arise?
What happens during menopause?
Menopause is the stopping of menstruation that happens after the age of 40. Usually, many women experience this around 50 years of age. As previously mentioned, this is a completely natural part of aging.
As you age, your reproductive system slows down. As a woman approaches menopause, the ovaries begin to produce less progesterone. And when this happens, it, inevitably, impacts your menstrual cycle. Some women may experience irregularities in their cycle during this time, which is then followed by a complete absence of menstruation.
Technically, menopause is when you haven’t had a period for over a year - without medications or surgery interfering. Typically, this process happens in gradual phases, which are outlined in more detail below.
The 3 phases of menopause
Menopause typically occurs in 3 phases, including:
Perimenopause
Perimenopause happens about a decade before menopause. The ovaries slowly begin producing less and less estrogen. Typically, this stage begins during a woman’s 40s. However, it can also happen during the 30s, depending on the person, their genetics, and their health.
This phase takes place all the way up until your period no longer happens. In the last few years of perimenopause, the ovaries rapidly decrease the amount of estrogen they produce - even more so than before. This is frequently when many women begin experiencing menopausal symptoms, such as:
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Irregular or missed periods
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Hot flashes
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Excessive sweating
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Vaginal dryness
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Frequent urination
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Difficulty sleeping
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Sore breasts
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Mood fluctuations
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Dry skin, mouth, or eyes
Menopause
At this stage in the game, a woman no longer has her period. The ovaries are no longer releasing eggs nor are they producing enough progesterone to balance estrogen. Further symptoms during this stage may include:
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Fatigue
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Moodiness
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Rapid heart rate
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Headaches or migraines
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Depression
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Muscle and joint pain
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Hair loss
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Weight gain
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Low sex drive