The terms menopause and perimenopause are used interchangeably, but in general, they describe the physical, emotional, and psychological effects that a woman experiences during the process of menopause. Menopause is defined as the time after a woman has not had her period for twelve months. Although menopause is a normal and natural process, for some, it can be a very emotional and destabilizing experience.
As women navigate this new change, sometimes the experience of menopause itself can leave women with severe symptoms that interfere with their day-to-day lives. Because the picture of menopause is not always clear until you’re fully immersed in it, it is helpful to approach menopause with an openness to seek help and advice when needed.
What Exactly Happens During Menopause and Perimenopause?
As women enter their late thirties, the ovaries produce less estrogen and progesterone (the hormones that regulate menstruation). This lack of estrogen leads to a decline in fertility and may result in early symptoms of perimenopause.
By forty, women may notice periods becoming more erratic and less frequent. Periods that used to arrive like clockwork have become a little less predictable. During your forties, it is very likely that you have started to feel the full effects of peri-menopause and are experiencing one or more of the following:
Symptoms of Menopause
- Hot flashes
- Trouble sleeping
- Changes in libido
- Irritability and/or mood changes
- Pain during sex (vaginal dryness)
- Vaginal and urinary problems
- Depression
- Weight gain and slowed metabolism
- Night sweats
All women will have their own unique perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms. The important thing to do is pay attention to how the symptoms impact you and your quality of life.
