What is Menopause & the stages of menopause?
I often get asked what is menopause or how to know when you're in it. First off menopause isn't for old women, it is not an illness, it's not a disease.
Menopause is a life stage women might sail through but mostly will endure mild or extreme symptoms. It is also called Turn of Life, The Change.
Whatever you call it the vital role for you is to take the necessary self-care steps to flourish. Also worth considering if you've ever thought of starting a new career, set up a business, flip your 9-5 role into a sole trader or company business. If you can it will help to sustain or improve your lifestyle and nourishment long into your post menopause years.
Factors that affect your menopause journey and can include
- your hormone levels
- your support networks
- social environment
- smoking
- your environment
- attitude and beliefs towards menopause and getting older
- nutrition
- what your eat
- your community or support network
- illness, and the
- exercise plus movement you do daily.
STAGES OF MENOPAUSE:
Menopause
It is the stage in a woman's life when she is no longer menstruating and as such reaches the end of her child bearing years. When a woman has not menstruated for 12 consecutive months this is natural menopause. The time of menopause is changing and although there was a time it happened in your middle 50s, now it is supposed to be 51 but it can happen in your 30s & 40s.
Perimenopause
This is the Transition or Climacteric time. It is the period between post menopause and your childbearing years. Although your periods (menstrual cycle) are still present they are irregular. Plus menopausal symptoms are present. Yes you can still get pregnant during this time.
Postmenopause
The time after menopause has occurred, starting when a woman has not had a period for 12 consecutive months with a natural menopause. This time may be extended to 2 years depending on when you become post menopause.
Premature ovarian insufficiency
This is the term when your menopause occurs before 40 years of age.The reasons could be due to a medical condition or treatment. It is also called premature ovarian failure or premature menopause / ovarian insufficiency.
Get Help
If you want want help with your hormones insufficiency please contact your medical practitioner specialising in menopause.
I'm here to help you with your menopause journey focusing on nutrition, sleep, stress, bone and any lifestyle changes you need support with. Now more than ever us menopausal women need our sleep.