The Stages of Menopause
Knowing where you are in your menopause journey is important. Learn more and feel confident during your menopause transition & beyond.
Menopause is the end of natural reproduction. In the U.S., the average age for menopause is 52. Menopause is official when a woman’s final menstrual period is followed by 12 months of no period.
Premature Menopause is menopause that happens before the age of 40.
Surgical/Induced Menopause occurs when menopause is caused by the surgical removal of both ovaries, or by damage to the ovaries by exposure to chemotherapy or radiation.
Perimenopause, means ‘around menopause’, and can last for several years. Some women notice the onset of symptoms and period changes beginning from age 35-45. Peri-menopausal periods can become irregular, but pregnancy is still possible, so if a woman wants to avoid pregnancy, contraception is essential. Healthcare & self-care choices we make during this time can have a profound impact on our health for the rest of our lives.
Menopause Transition occurs from when a woman’s time between periods varies by more than a week until the final menstrual period. The phases of the menopause transition and peri-menopause overlap and in these cycles we see great changes in hormone levels like estrogen and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). This is why it isn’t always helpful to check hormone levels to determine menopause status.
Post-Menopause begins when a woman has gone 12 months without a period and lasts the rest of her life. Once a woman enters this stage any vaginal bleeding must be evaluated. Menopause can be a time of enhanced emotion and change, and many women report experiencing a new sense of freedom, new beginnings, growth and empowerment.
