The Stages of Menopause

This is the time that the body is preparing for the menopause. This can start happening around our 40’s or even earlier in some women. It’s the time before the menopause when the cycle length and menstrual flow begin to change, becoming irregular. Periods can be shorter or longer, and are often heavier or lighter than usual. These changes are caused by the changes in hormone levels.

Peri-menopausal symptoms can begin months or even years before our periods stop, and last around a few years after the last period, although some women experience them for much longer.

These changes in cycle often cause uncertainty concern for women, and we can find it embarrassing and difficult to talk about even with close friends or family. The best advice is to have a chat with the Doctor or Pharmacist who will be able to offer clear, factual help and guidance on how best to manage life through the menopause, and to signpost women to support groups that can help.

This is the period after the menopause when periods have been absent for 12 consecutive months. At this stage, the worst of the symptoms have probably reduced, although some symptoms such as hot flushes can carry on for many years after the menopause.

For post-menopausal women, other aspects of health need to be considered, such as bone and heart health, as our bodies lose the protective effects of oestrogen. So during this period it’s important to make sure we are getting the right nutrients to keep bones strong and reduce cholesterol levels.