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Are you somewhere between 40 and 50 years old, and does your body no longer feel the way it used to? Are your periods becoming more irregular, are you more emotional than usual, or are you sleeping poorly? Perhaps you are wondering: am I going through menopause? That is perfectly understandable. Many women notice changes but do not know exactly which phase of menopause they are going through. And yet, that is precisely what is important for finding the right support. Simply put, there are four different phases of menopause. However, it is less straightforward to categorize the symptoms into precisely defined segments. Let’s go through the process step by step.
Menopause and perimenopause: what is the difference?
The words transition and menopause are often used interchangeably. However, they are not the same:
- Menopause is the period in which your body prepares for the end of your fertile phase of life.
- Menopause is just one moment: your last period. Only when you have not had a period for a year do you speak of menopause.
Menopause is a natural phase in which your hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, begin to fluctuate increasingly. These hormonal changes cause various menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, or mood swings. On average, menopause begins around age 45 and lasts about 10 years. The average age at which women have their last period is 51. Please note: no woman is average. Listen to your body and act in your best interest.
The four phases of the transition
Every woman goes through four phases of menopause, but how you experience them differs. The symptoms can be mild or very significant. Below, we briefly explain the different phases:
1. Premenopause: your fertile phase
Premenopause is the phase before you notice the first hormonal fluctuations begin. You still menstruate regularly and are fully fertile. This phase often lasts until you are in your late 30s or early 40s. What you might notice:
- Your cycle is still regular
- Your hormone balance is still stable (but know that your progesterone starts to drop from around age 35).
- You usually do not have menopausal symptoms yet, although you may develop some vague symptoms. You might suddenly become more irritable, for example (due to declining progesterone).
Please note: a responsible lifestyle during this phase is important for how you experience menopause later on.
Would you like to read more about (pre)menopause and what you can do to support your body during this phase? Then click here.
2. Perimenopause: hormonal fluctuations
Perimenopause is the first phase of menopause, which can begin around the age of 45. Your ovaries produce fewer eggs, and your progesterone and estrogen levels begin to fluctuate and drop. You may notice, for example:
- Menstrual periods become more irregular
- Heavier bleeding or actually a smaller amount
- Menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, or poor sleep
This period of change can last from a few months to as long as 4 to 10 years (so it varies enormously from woman to woman). In this phase, you are not yet in menopause, but you are on your way.
If you want to read more about perimenopause and what you can do during this phase of life, click here.
3. Menopause: the turning point
Menopause is the moment when you have not had a period for 12 consecutive months. You are now infertile and your eggs are virtually exhausted. Because this phase can only be determined retrospectively, it is good to keep track of your menstrual cycle. What changes:
- Your period stops permanently (so you know this for sure a year after your last period).
- Menopausal symptoms may decrease, but are sometimes still severe.
- Your body is seeking a new balance.
4. Postmenopause: regaining balance
Postmenopause begins after your last period and can last for many years. Your body works towards a stable hormonal status, with fewer fluctuations. In this phase:
- Symptoms often become milder, but they can also leave long-lasting traces.
- Could you continue to suffer from vaginal dryness, night sweats, or a low libido?
- Is there a risk of osteoporosis or cardiovascular disease due to the structural decrease in estrogen levels?
It is important to take a close look at your diet, exercise, and lifestyle during this phase. Lifestyle advice can help maintain the right balance. Therefore, seek support from professionals who know what lies ahead for you.
Which stage of menopause are you in?
Not every woman goes through these phases in the same way. Some women experience many symptoms during menopause, while others notice hardly anything. There are several tools that help provide clarity. Track your menstrual cycle, pay attention to physical and mental changes, and talk to an expert for personalized advice. Be proactive. Is your body searching? Don't be caught off guard and pick up on the signals immediately.
Frequently asked questions about the stages of menopause
Are you around the age of 40 but feel no difference compared to before? This can change completely within 1 to 5 years. Think in advance about what awaits you. Here are some frequently asked questions about the most common challenges during menopause:
1. How do I know which stage of menopause I am in?
Pay attention to changes in your menstrual pattern, physical symptoms, and emotional state. External factors can greatly influence your body and mind. However, also be aware of what is happening inside your body. A professional can help you determine this more accurately.
2. How long does perimenopause last on average?
Perimenopause lasts on average between 4 and 10 years, depending on your genetics, lifestyle, and hormone balance. It is not possible to accurately determine how long this phase lasts on average, because every woman's body is different.
3. Can I still get pregnant during perimenopause?
Yes, although your fertility declines, pregnancy is still possible as long as your menstruation has not completely stopped. This is certainly something to keep in mind if you are sexually active and whether or not you wish to have children.
Knowing more about menopause brings peace of mind
Knowing which stage of menopause you are in makes a real difference. You understand yourself better, can contextualize symptoms, and make appropriate choices. This prevents frustration and increases your resilience. If you enter this phase of your life well-prepared, you will benefit from it during the postmenopausal period.
Would you like to read more about (pre)menopause and what you can do to support your body during this phase? Then click here .
