Embracing the Change: Understanding Menopause Stages

Menopause is the phase in a woman’s life when she stops menstruating. This phase begins between the ages of 45 to 55. When a woman enters this phase of her life, this means she is experiencing a mixture of emotions, and simultaneously the body has started functioning very differently. 

Menopause is not a disease, nor can it be taken as casually as people think. Menopause is when a woman is welcomed into a different phase of life. It is nothing like the kind of taboo people have made in reality. 

Women are not given the space to open up or talk about problems like periods and menopause, which is the biggest reason why women are mostly alone and uncomfortable when they’re going through that phase. For more related information on Simply Menopause, keep reading the guide. 

As it is shown on the internet, the problem with women facing the menopausal phase is never considered on severe levels, which is deliberately affecting the women’s community mentally and physically. It’s time to embrace it, support, and encourage women. Let us educate and learn. 

In this article, we will learn how to embrace menopause, so let us begin. 

Stages Of Menopause 

A woman goes through three stages during this phase – Perimenopause, Menopause, and Post-Menopause. Let us know them in detail. 

Perimenopause 

This phase is also known as “around menopause,” which means the woman is about to enter the menopausal phase. A woman who is in her 30s and 40s starts facing symptoms that come along with the perimenopausal phase.

This phase is identifiable by realizing the changes in the flow and the menstrual cycle.

The symptoms of perimenopause are as follows: 

  • Irregular periods 

The ovulation changes, so the time length either lengthens or shortens. The quantity increases or decreases, and sometimes you may skip your periods. 

  • Sleep problems 

You won’t be able to sleep properly due to uncomfortable changes in your body and hormones. You will have hot flashes and night sweats while sleeping. 

  • Hot flashes 

Hot flashes vary in length, frequency, and intensity. When it hits a woman, she will want spicy food, hot food, and drinks and gets embarrassed more often. 

  • Changes in the mood 

You will have mood swings, irritation, and too much depression. The leading cause for these is the lack of sleep which comes with hot flashes. 

  • Problems in the vagina and bladder

When the estrogen levels start decreasing, the tissues in the vagina lose lubrication and elasticity. This makes you more vulnerable, and the chances of infection increase.

  • Decreasing fertility 

As you recognize a decreased level of ovulation, you will know that there is no more chance of you getting pregnant. 

  • Changes in sexual activity 

Due to dryness in the vaginal areas, a woman will not feel any arousal for sexual activities. In very few cases, if a woman experienced pleasurable intercourse before menopause, it’s likely to continue afterward. 

  • Loss in bones 

It is recommended by Doctors also to consume lots of calcium after the 30s. As the estrogen levels decrease, simultaneously, you start losing bones. 

  • Changes in cholesterol levels 

As the estrogen levels decrease in your body, the unwanted changes start simultaneously, including the addition of bad cholesterol. 

Menopause 

Menopause is the point in time when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. It ends the menstrual cycle and a woman’s reproductive years.

During this phase, the ovaries stop producing eggs, and the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body drop significantly. 

This can cause various symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, and more. 

The symptoms of menopause continue that begin from the premenopausal phase that includes: 

  1. Irregular periods
  2. Vaginal dryness 
  3. Hot flashes 
  4. Chills 
  5. Night sweats 
  6. Sleep problems 
  7. Mood changes 
  8. Weight gain and slowed metabolism 

Post Menopause 

Postmenopause is the final stage of menopause and begins 12 months after a woman’s last menstrual period. During this phase, the symptoms of menopause may begin to fall back, but other health issues may arise, such as osteoporosis and heart disease.

It is important for women to continue to take care of their health during this phase, including getting regular check-ups and screenings. Many symptoms are found related to the postmenopausal syndrome: 

  1. Hot flushes
  2. irritability 
  3. mood swings 
  4. insomnia 
  5. dry vagina 
  6. difficulty concentrating 
  7. mental confusion 
  8. stress incontinence
  9. urge incontinence
  10. osteoporotic symptoms
  11. depression
  12. headache 
  13. vasomotor symptoms 
  14. Insomnia etc. 

Symptoms and Changes During this Phase 

Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. During this time, your body undergoes a significant hormonal shift that can cause various physical and emotional symptoms.

Understanding these symptoms and changes can help you understand this transition with confidence. 

One of the most common physical symptoms of menopause is hot flashes. These sudden feelings of warmth can cause sweating, flushing, and a rapid heartbeat.

You may also experience night sweats, which can interfere with your sleep. In physical symptoms, menopause can also cause emotional changes. 

You may experience mood swings, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Some women also report feeling anxious or depressed during this time. It’s important to remember that these emotional changes are a normal part of the menopause transition. 

However, if you’re experiencing severe symptoms, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider. They may recommend counseling, medication, or other treatments to help manage your symptoms. 

Embracing the Change

Menopause is a natural process that every woman goes through. While it can be a challenging time, it can also be a time of growth and self-discovery.

Embracing the change means accepting the new phase of life and looking at it in a positive light. Here are some ways to embrace the change and make the most of this new chapter in your life. 

Menopause is often seen as a negative event, but there are many positive aspects to it. You also have the opportunity to explore new interests and hobbies that you may not have had time for before. 

Menopause can also be a time of increased confidence and self-assurance as you navigate this new phase of life. Your body is going through a lot of changes, and self-care can help you feel more comfortable and confident. Here are some ways to take care of yourself during menopause: 

  1. Exercise regularly 
  2. Eat a healthy diet 
  3. Get enough sleep 
  4. Practice stress-reducing techniques 

Last Remark 

Menopause is a natural part of life that can be challenging but also rewarding. Embracing the change means accepting this new phase of life and finding ways to take care of yourself.

By focusing on the positive side of menopause and practicing self-care, you can make the most of this new chapter in your life.