Understand the stages of menopause, possible signs & symptom management
This article has been sponsored and reviewed by Organon Pharma (UK) Ltd
The menopause is a natural process that people who menstruate go through as they get older, due to changes in levels of oestrogen and progesterone.
Everyone is different, so try not to compare your experience of menopause to those around you.
Menopause symptoms usually begin between the ages of 45 and 55, and the average age in the UK is 51. It’s possible to go through the menopause before the age of 45 but this is unusual, affecting around one in 100 women and known as early menopause.*
It can be helpful to understand the three different stages of menopause, and how they may affect you, so that you can address any symptoms you experience in the best way possible for you. Everyone is different so try not to compare your experience of menopause to those around you, but do keep talking to your healthcare professional so that as your experience of menopause changes, your support can too.
The 3 stages of menopause
1. Perimenopause
Perimenopause is the time from the start of menopausal symptoms to 12 months after your last period.
Experiencing perimenopause symptoms indicates that the hormonal changes that take place as you age, a decline in oestrogen and progesterone, are starting to occur. These symptoms may go on over a couple of years before the menopause, but some people do experience them for longer.
Symptoms can change throughout this period, so make sure to seek support from your GP if you feel you have new or different symptoms you need help with.
2. Menopause
You reach menopause when you haven’t had a menstrual period for 12 months. It’s possible to experience perimenopausal symptoms right up until this point. From now onwards, oestrogen levels remain consistently low, and you become post-menopausal.
3. Post-menopause
This is the third phase of the menopause transition. It’s still possible to experience symptoms when you’re post-menopausal, sometimes for a further five to seven years, although some people may experience symptoms for longer than this.
If you are receiving treatment for menopause symptoms and you notice any changes, make an appointment to see your Health Care provider/professional.
Your symptoms may change over time when you’re post-menopausal. This means that any management plans you have may need to change. Make sure to keep an eye on any symptoms you have, you may want to consider keeping a record to help you to spot changes.
If you are receiving treatment for menopause symptoms and you notice any changes, make an appointment to see your healthcare provider/professional, to make sure your management plan is still right for you.
Symptoms
Every person’s experience is unique and different, but there are some common signs and symptoms that you may experience during perimenopause, menopause and beyond.
We’ll talk you through what some of the potential symptoms might be.
This is often, but not always, the first symptom people experience during the perimenopause. Periods may become heavier, lighter, and more or less frequent.
It’s normal to experience symptoms like low mood, anxiety, swings in mood or self-esteem during the transition through menopause.
Forgetfulness or trouble concentrating can be a direct effect of reduced levels of oestrogen in the brain. It can also be a follow-on effect of low mood, anxiety, stress or fatigue.
One of the most widely known symptoms, you might feel an intense heat across your body accompanied by flushing and increased sweating. You might also find yourself waking up during the night sweating, commonly referred to as night sweats.
This can sometimes happen as a result of other menopause symptoms, such as night sweats or anxiety. You may also find that it can heighten other symptoms, such as concentration or memory problems.
This is where you notice an irregular heartbeat, that can feel like a fluttering sensation in your chest. It can feel like your heart is racing, and sometimes happens at the same time as hot flushes.
Fluctuating oestrogen levels can lead to an increase in the number of headaches or migraines you may have. However, they can also be a result of sleep issues or increased anxiety.
Decreasing oestrogen can impact joints and connective tissues, and have a knock-on effect on muscles, leading to aches, pains and/or stiffness.
Weight gain and/or changes to body shape are normal symptoms of the menopause. There can be lots of different reasons for this, ranging from hormonal changes through to fatigue leading to a reduction in activity.
Changes to oestrogen levels may also impact your skin. You could experience drier, more sensitive skin and the development of wrinkles. Acne is also a potential symptom, and you may find your skin takes longer to heal.
Oestrogen keeps tissues well lubricated and healthy, and declining levels can mean the tissues become more delicate and drier, resulting in itching and irritation. Vaginal elasticity can also decrease.
This is a very common symptom, and can be linked to vaginal irritation, changes to mood or reduced testosterone levels.
Oestrogen also keeps the tissues of the urethra healthy, and as it declines, the tissue can become more delicate and therefore prone to infection.
Please note, it’s possible to experience symptoms other than those listed here. If you’re concerned about any symptom, visit your GP.
You can experience many of these symptoms throughout the three stages of menopause, but it’s likely that your symptoms will change across the stages.
The important thing is to monitor your symptoms and any changes. If symptoms are affecting your daily life, talk to your healthcare provider to ensure you get the right strategy/management for you.
Managing your menopause symptoms & treatment options
The good thing is, there are many ways of managing your menopause symptoms as well as several different treatment options.
Seek out the most appropriate management strategies, to ensure you continue to embrace life in a new phase.
For most people who experience menopause, it’s likely that they will spend a significant proportion of their life in the post-menopausal phase. This is a great reason to seek out the most appropriate management strategies and treatments, to ensure you continue to embrace life in a new phase.
Strategies and treatments are dependent on your symptoms, but we’ll give you an overview of some of the different options out there, from lifestyle changes to talking therapies, to medication.
Management strategies
1. Lifestyle changes
• Eating a healthy diet
• Eating calcium and Vitamin D rich foods like milk or yoghurt to keep bones healthy
• Exercising regularly, including weight-bearing activities
• Relaxing activities like yoga or meditation
• Talking to people who are experiencing the same thing
• Avoiding smoking
• Avoiding drinking too much alcohol
• Allowing yourself time for rest, and sticking to regular sleep routines
2. Talking therapy
If you’re experiencing mood changes or anxiety, different types of talking therapy might prove useful. This can include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or counselling. If you feel you might benefit from therapy, speak to your GP.
3. Managing hot flushes & night sweats
There are a few things you can do to help manage the impact of hot flushes and night sweats including:
• Wearing lightweight clothing
• Keeping bedrooms cool
• Avoiding potential triggers like caffeine, hot drinks or spicy foods
• Taking a cool shower or having a cold drink
4. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment to relieve symptoms of the menopause. It replaces hormones that are at a lower level as you approach the menopause.
Remember, whatever stage of the transition through menopause you’re experiencing, the most important thing is to ensure you seek the help and support you need to manage any symptoms you may experience.
Symptoms can change across the different phases of menopause, so keep track of these changes and speak to your GP if you're concerned to ensure you are always receiving the treatment and support best suited to you.
*If you're under 45 and have noticed your periods becoming infrequent or stopping altogether, you should speak to a GP.
**Access to treatment is subject to a consultation with a therapist to assess suitability. Charges apply. Subject to availability.
Job code: GB-NON-110344
Date of prep: October 2022
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