Menopause is a natural process and feeling confident as your body and mood go through changes will affect your outlook on this stage of life. It’s a beautiful journey, much like the transformative time of puberty.  This natural process will become less intimidating through education and support that we offer through our Pause+ Life change program. 

Experience the uniqueness of your menopause journey – from its beginnings to the range of symptoms you’ll encounter as you grow through the different stages. Although every experience is different, there are typically indicators that can help you determine your stage.

Knowing what stage of menopause you’re in does help you in knowing what to expect and how to best manage your symptoms. The Pause + Lifechange Program can also help you understand what’s normal, and support you through these changes

In this blog we have identified  the three stages of menopause. Please read on and learn about potential symptoms at different ages. 

Perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause are the three stages of Menopause.

These terms translate to the start of changes, the end of the menstrual cycle, and the new normal.

Perimenopause (or pre-menopause) is the beginning of menopause, or is a word that means “around menopause”

Perimenopause, or pre-menopause, the stage leading up to menopause, where symptoms first appear. This typically occurs 4-8 years before menopause, with the age of onset varying between women – some feel it in their 40s, while others notice it in their mid-30s.

“It’s basically the reverse of what happened to your hormones as a teenager”

When you enter perimenopause, you’ll start to notice some early menopause symptoms, like changes to your period or mood shifts. These changes happen because your body’s Estrogen and progesterone levels are starting to naturally decline. As your ovaries produce lower amounts of these hormones, your body adapts.

Menopause: The menstrual cycle ends

At what age does menopause start?

On average, menopause occurs around the age of 51. However, some women may go through menopause in their 40s, with a minority experiencing early symptoms. It is also possible for some women to reach menopause as late as their 60s.

Genetics significantly influences when you will experience menopause, making it difficult to pinpoint an exact age. However, observing when your mother and other family members experienced it can give you a general idea of what to expect.

While genetics play a role in the start of menopause, medical factors also play a significant role. In particular, the removal of ovaries can result in immediate onset of symptoms. The term “menopause” indicates the cessation of menstrual periods. This phase typically lasts for one year, as a woman enters post-menopause after 12 consecutive months without menstruation.

Reaching menopause means that you’re no longer able to bear children (become pregnant). Every woman – except for those who’ve had their ovaries removed before puberty – will go through menopause.

Menopause is a natural phase in which your body is no longer able to bear children. This is a natural process that all women go through, and every woman’s experience is different.

Post-menopause: After menopause

Post-menopause is defined as the time after menopause, which occurs after 12 months since your last period. This phase marks the conclusion of your reproductive years and will last for the remainder of your life. Though your ovaries continue to produce small amounts of Estrogen and progesterone, you are no longer ovulating, making pregnancy impossible.

Your menopause symptoms will continue for approximately 2-7 years after your final menstrual cycle (potentially longer for some), but then they typically decrease in intensity or disappear altogether.

Menopause symptoms by age

Menopause symptoms evolve over time as your body slowly decreases the levels of reproductive hormones it’s making. Here’s a breakdown of menopause symptoms you may experience by age.

Menopause symptoms at age 40

If menopause happens before age 40, it’s called premature menopause. If it happens between ages 40-45, it’s known as early menopause. Fewer than 10% of women experience premature or early menopause.

Menopause symptoms at age 45

Around the age of 45, many women typically experience pre-menopause, which is often accompanied by the initial indications of menopause approaching. While some may only experience mild and brief symptoms, others may face more severe and long-standing issues during this stage.

Some of the earliest signs of menopause may include:

Changes to your period

During menopause, there are typically changes in the menstrual cycle. These changes may include a longer time between periods, or missing a few periods before they resume. Occasional variations in flow, such as heavier or lighter, may also occur.

Mood changes

It is common to experience changes such as irritability, anxiety, sadness, and forgetfulness due to hormone level fluctuations. Taking care of oneself and seeking assistance when needed can be beneficial in managing these symptoms. However, understanding that these changes are a natural part of the body’s process is important.

Sleeping problems (insomnia)

When experiencing sleep difficulties, such as insomnia or waking up in the middle of the night, one may experience persistent tiredness and a negative impact on mood. This is why addressing sleep troubles is important. Insomnia can be effectively treated with a combination of lifestyle changes including exercise and diet.Limiting caffeine consumption, reducing screen time before bed can also improve sleep.

Weight Gain

The hormonal changes of menopause tend to make it more likely that women will gain weight around the abdomen, rather than the hips and thighs. But hormonal changes alone don’t necessarily cause the weight gain. Instead, it’s usually related to aging, as well as lifestyle and genetic factors.

A well structured exercise program and diet will play a significant role in addressing weight gain at this time of a woman’s life. The Pause+ Lifechange program has been specifically developed with Menopause in mind. 

Now that you have an idea of what Menopause is, the question is “How can I navigate my way through this change?”

The solution is the Pause+ Lifechange program at Go Girl Timaru. 

Pause+ is a personalised program that is as individual as you are. You will receive expert advice on how to work with your hormones, not against them. You won’t be counting calories or being on a restrictive diet. You will learn about why certain nutrients and lifestyle changes are evidenced to help reduce your symptoms and support weight loss.

Want to start today? Get in touch with Lizelle from Pause+

  Lizelle Pelser ( My Menopause Transformation Practitioner )is your Pause+ coach,  who will be guiding you through this journey and is here to answer any question and provide support and solutions through your menopause.