Menopause: What Every person Should Know
Introduction
When you type "menopause" into Google, a barrage of questions pops up: "What is menopause?" "When does it happen?" "What are the symptoms?" "How long does it last?" These are the questions that many individuals may ponder at some point in their lives. Today, we're here to provide you with clarity and understanding about menopause, so let's dive right in.
Menopause unveiled
Menopause is a natural and universal life stage that all women are destined to experience after a certain age. It officially occurs when you've gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. However, as we approach menopause, many of us start experiencing a range of symptoms and fluctuating menstrual cycles, typically between the ages of 40 and 55. This transitional phase is known as perimenopause, and it can last anywhere from 5 to 7 years, and sometimes even up to 14 years.
Understanding perimenopause
Perimenopause is the lead-up to menopause, and it's often characterized by a variety of symptoms that may include:
Vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats)
Cognitive changes (brain fog, forgetfulness, headaches)
Mood swings (anxiety, irritability, anger, depression, and weepiness)
Irregular periods (changes in frequency, duration, and volume)
Joint and muscle pain
Libido changes
Vaginal dryness (possibly bleeding)
Increased frequency of UTIs
Difficulty sleeping
Thinning hair and or skin
Heart plpitations
Approximately 80% of women and folks report experiencing hot flashes and night sweats, which are among the most common symptoms. While some individuals describe perimenopause as feeling like pregnancy without the reward, it doesn't have to be that way. Menopause can be a transformative and empowering life stage.
Mapping Your Menopause Journey
Every person's experience is unique, but if you want to get an estimate of when you'll likely reach menopause, you can look to the experiences of your biological sisters, mother, or maternal aunts. These familial patterns can provide valuable insights.
Navigating Menopause Without a Monthly Guide:
For those who've had a partial hysterectomy, endometrial ablation, or use continuous hormonal birth control, tracking menopause can be a bit more challenging. In such cases, laboratory tests that monitor hormonal changes throughout the month can be incredibly beneficial. They help assess where you are in your menopause transition and identify the best plan to address your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Recap
To recap, menopause is confirmed when you've gone without a period for 12 consecutive months and is often diagnosed based on symptoms. Perimenopause, the transition phase, can span from 5 to 14 years. For folks with unique circumstances, like those with partial hysterectomies, endometrial ablations, or continuous hormonal birth control, lab tests play a crucial role in tracking their menopause journey.
Stay tuned for more insights on navigating menopause with confidence and vitality. Until next time, nuff love!
If you or someone you love is suffering through perimenopause get the menopause checklist.
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