Do you know the stages of menopause?

Pardon? I hear you ask. If you thought menopause was a single event, you are not alone. However, this life stage takes a time to complete and includes a number of phases.

Menopause is about a new life. It’s an example of moving from one state of being, to another.

While the symptoms can be unpleasant, it’s important to know that menopause is a normal, natural process. Understanding the stages of this transition is the first step to taking charge of how you can live well during this time! Let’s learn about the stages of menopause.

Perimenopause

• This is the normally 4-6 years preceding a person’s final period
• During this time, the ovaries slow down, periods become irregular and some other menopausal symptoms may occur

Menopause

• This occurs when there have been no periods for 12 months in a row
• The average age of this event is 50 year old, thought it can occur between 40-55 years of age

Post-menopause

• This occurs after 12 months have passed without a single period
• Following this point, a person becomes “post-menopausal”

Of course, big life changes are not without disruptions, emotional upheavals, even feelings of stress or disconnection. Always remember that connecting with friends, family and other loved ones, and sharing how this experience affects us, goes a long way to helping us during menopause.