Menopause is a normal stage in every woman's life. However, for many women it's not always clear how long the process takes, how they can start to deal with symptoms long before their periods stop, and that things aren't always as bad as modern culture and urban myth have led us to believe! There are reasons to celebrate and stay positive during menopause. The real confirmation that a woman has reached menopause comes after a woman has stopped having periods for 12 consecutive months. In the meantime, the body goes through menopause. During this period, a woman's body passes from some changes that can be difficult to manage. However, Menopause also brings a number of positive changes.

Perimenopause: The journey to menopause begins

Menopause does not happen overnight. Instead, a woman's body goes through a process of decline as hormones fluctuate until it finally settles into a more restful and calm state after menopause. Here are some of the things you can expect in perimenopause:

It takes an average of 8 to 10 years

As mentioned above – menopause is a hormonal process and takes years from start to finish. The average age that women reach menopause (the cessation of their periods for 12 consecutive months) is 48-52 years. Therefore, most women begin perimenopause in their early 40s. This is also why pregnancy is much more difficult from the age of 40 and above.

The average starting age is 40 years

Perimenopause most often begins in your 40s, and women are more likely to go through menopause similar to their sisters and mothers. Some women may start menopause in their late 30s. If you experience perimenopausal symptoms (explained below) at age 35 or younger, you may be experiencing early menopause, so check with your gynecologist to be sure, as early menopause can put you at risk for other health problems.

Estrogen levels decrease, androgen levels increase

The main culprits of any perimenopausal symptoms are the result of hormonal fluctuations. Mainly:

• Estrogen levels can rise before they fall (the body's attempt to mature as many eggs as possible). Until menopause, estrogen levels will be lower than during the fertile years.
• Ovulation is rare during this time, but when you do ovulate, progesterone levels tend to be lower than at younger ages.
• Androgens (male hormone levels) rise. During this time period, androgen (male hormone) levels increase – hence the possible appearance of hair growth on the chin and/or upper lip.

All of these hormonal ups and downs take the form of "menopause symptoms."

You will know you are experiencing perimenopause by its symptoms.

Most women experience mild to moderate symptoms of perimenopause, and only a smaller minority of women have more severe symptoms. The most common symptoms include:

• Night sweats
• Vaginal dryness (which can lead to painful intercourse)
• Irregular periods
• Shorter menstrual cycle
• Weight gain and difficulty losing weight
• Hot flashes
• Difficulty sleeping (insomnia at the beginning or in the middle of the night)
• Irritability or moodiness
• Difficulty concentrating

The majority of these symptoms subside after menopause – but many women (up to 30%) continue to experience some degree of hot flashes after menopause.

You can support the perimenopause process with lifestyle choices

Certain lifestyle choices can reduce the impact of menopause symptoms. Diet is definitely one of them – the foods you eat can alleviate symptoms. Regular exercise is always helpful – especially for weight management, healthier sleep habits, and mood regulation. You can also discuss hormone therapy options with your gynecologist. Do you need support or confirmation that you are experiencing menopause? Make an appointment at our clinic and we will support you during this journey.