The Stages Of Menopause

There are four stages of menopause: pre- menopause, perimenopause, menopause and post- menopause. What is menopause anyway? When a woman's body takes on a cycle of a non-menstruating hormonal structure, she is said to be in the menopausal stage. Menopausal stages vary mainly on the process of the woman's menstrual cycle. The pre- menopause or the new phase of menopause is the stage wherein the woman's body is experiencing the early irregularities of menstruation. Skipping of menstruation is intermittent, probably around the age of the mid-thirties. The hormones are starting to disrupt the secretion yet the said changes remain unnoticed. The luteal phase of menopause is beginning to be disruptive at this point. At the early stages of menopause, menstruation is either irregular or shortened in its time frame.

The stage of menopause wherein the signs of menopause begin noticeable is called perimenopause. A decline in hormones such as estrogen and progesterone continue. Hot flashes and night sweats are signs of this stage. The menstrual cycle may not correspond with the ovulation. A woman can have ovulation without having periods or may have periods even without egg production.

The third of the four phases of menopause is called 'menopause' itself. It is also the term used for the entire phase of cessation of menstruation. The signs are quite obvious. It may be irritation, restlessness, depression and anxiety. Sleeping disorders are also common for those women who undergo this condition. Vaginal changes are also associated with menopause. Certain medications are recommended because of the reduction of estrogen secretion. This may cause discomfort and itchiness in the vaginal part so most doctors prescribe some medications and feminine hygiene peripherals to reduce discomfort cause by the changes in the menstrual cycle.

The last stage of menopause which will last for the rest of your life is called the post-menopause stage. It is the gradual stoppage of ovulation. At this stage, woman is already at risk of having many sickness issues because of the gradual decline in the production of estrogen. This hormone also helps the woman's body to fight certain sexual illnesses. At this stage, you have to seek the doctor's advice regarding the condition. Early detection of this stage will help you to cope up with the changes that are happening to your body. There will be temporary adjustments to be made to help those who undergo such stage. Understanding them will ease the burden of going through them.