Are you over 50 years old, and many of your friends are postmenopausal? Do you have hot flashes and your period at the same time? Are you wondering when it will all end?
If you answered yes to any of these questions? You are not alone.
It is important to remember that, like the start of your period, women enter menopause at different ages.
Want to learn more? Keep reading.
Menopause Defined
Menopause is defined as the day you have gone 12 months without a menstrual period, vaginal bleeding, or spotting. Women commonly have a natural onset of menopause when they are 45 or 55 years old. However, in the United States, the average age is 52 years of age.
The time after menopause is called postmenopause, and it lasts the remainder of your life.
Early menopause is when the ovaries stop making sex hormones before the age of 40 years, and menstruation ends. This can happen naturally, with no medical reason, as a result of chemotherapy and other chemical treatments, or the removal of the ovaries and/or uterus.
The time leading up to menopause is called perimenopause or the menopausal transition. This period can last from 2 to 8 years.
EIGHT YEARS? You’ve got to be kidding.
Yes, some women experience perimenopause for 8 years, but that is not the norm. The average length is 4 years.
How do I know when I am in perimenopause?
Let’s look at the signs and symptoms of perimenopause.
The Menopausal Transition
As you age, your hormone production changes and decreases. Due to the fluctuations of hormones, perimenopause is hard to diagnose. Blood tests can indicate if there are irregularities in hormone levels, but these are unreliable as a diagnostic tool. Your medical professional may request blood work, but they will also analyze your signs and symptoms to diagnose it. These include:
- Irregular periods, with more or less time in between.
- Skipped periods
- Periods that are shorter or longer, lighter or heavier.
- Hot flashes and night sweats.
- Sleep issues, such as difficulty falling asleep.
- Fatigue or memory problems due to a lack of sleep.
- Vaginal dryness, pain, and/or discomfort during sexual intercourse.
- Mood changes, such as depression, anxiety, or increased irritability.
- Bladder issues, such as a loss of bladder control or urinary tract infections (UTIs).
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, talk to your medical provider. While these are all common signs of menopause, they can also indicate other conditions or illnesses.
Some of your friends may experience none of the symptoms associated with menopause. However, if your life is negatively impacted by any of the symptoms on the list, some medications and treatments can help.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is an option to address hormone imbalances that cause the symptoms of menopause and perimenopause. Some medications can address individual symptoms. It is important to discuss with your medical professional to determine the best course of treatment for you.
It is important to remember that everyone enters menopause at their own time, and you are not alone. If you are concerned about your timeline, you and your medical provider can review your symptoms and analyze your hormone levels.
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By Anna Hartman, AKH Editing and Writing
