Navigating the 3 Stages of Menopause
Our expertise in the female journey doesn’t end after the reproductive years. We also specialize in treating patients in menopause, the stage of life that begins 12 months after a person’s last menstrual period. These post-reproductive years are the point during which the ovaries stop producing progesterone and estrogen. There are three primary stages of menopause, all of which can be tricky to navigate without guidance.
- Perimenopause
- Menopause
- Postmenopause
Entering Perimenopause
Perimenopause includes the months and years leading up to menopause and begins when the menstrual period becomes irregular or ends completely. Period irregularity is the main symptom of perimenopause, but many also experience vaginal dryness, hot flashes, chills, night sweats, sleep problems, mood changes. weight gain and slowed metabolism, thinning hair and dry skin, and loss of breast fullness.
Women and others with ovaries typically enter perimenopause in their 40s or early 50s, unless symptoms are otherwise instigated by the surgical removal of ovaries.
Despite these changes, pregnancy is still possible in perimenopause, and if you find yourself experiencing pregnancy symptoms beyond missed periods, consult your OB/Gyn or take a pregnancy test.
Menopause and Postmenopause
Upon reaching menopause, marked by the end of perimenopause and the accompanying symptoms, a person then enters postmenopause. Many people who have reached this stage find that their previous menopausal symptoms dissipate, however, there are new health concerns to be considered.
Additional Health Concerns
Those who have already gone through menopause are at risk of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. You and your OB/Gyn should keep a close eye on any changes in your body that may be symptoms of these issues. You should also stay up to date with check-ups with your primary care provider.
We recommend you continue annual visits with your OB/Gyn and your primary health provider during and after menopause to ensure any potential complications are caught and treated early-on. It is important to notify your doctor or midwife if you experience postmenopausal bleeding.
To learn more about menopausal care, contact us at 203-562-5181 or schedule an appointment at one of our locations to speak with a provider.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/womensrh/index.htm
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20353397
https://www.webmd.com/menopause/guide/menopuase-faq
https://www.queermenopause.com/blog/2021/10/9/what-is-the-non-binary-experience-of-menopause
Leave A Comment