Menopause is the moment when a woman transitions from a state of fertility to infertility. During menopause, the body changes because the ovaries produce less estrogen and progesterone. Therefore, hormones fluctuate greatly, causing various phenomena. For example, the familiar hot flashes, more menstrual complaints and heavy sweating at night. Menopause is a years-long process that eventually leads to menopause: the last menstrual period. But there are several stages ahead of this. More and more research is being done on the (long) way a woman takes to get there before menopause is actually done.
Officially, menopause only begins when menstruation becomes irregular. If menstruation is still regular, doctors often dismiss women’s complaints. However, many women have already noticed complaints related to the transitional phase when menstruation remains the same. This was investigated by American physician Jerrilyn C. Pryor, founder of the Center for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research (CeMCOR). I researched premenopausal symptoms, from which I identified five stages of perimenopause. This way you can roughly estimate what stage of transition you are going through.
different stages of transition
When menopause begins varies from woman to woman. The average age is between 40-45 years. The average age at which a woman had her last menstrual period is 51. These are the different stages a woman goes through during those years:
stage a
In the first stage, menstruation is still regular and how you are used to it. You still suffer from menstrual problems like tender (and even painful) breasts, mood swings, and headaches. Weight gain and hot flashes are not uncommon at this stage.
stage b
In the second stage of menopause, menstruation is still regular, but the cycle becomes increasingly irregular. Bleeding may increase and premenstrual complaints may increase. Hot flashes are more common, especially just before menstruation.
stage c
In the third phase, the cycle begins to drift more and more, sometimes the period lasts longer, sometimes shorter. Hot flashes are also more common, although not very much there yet. You may also experience night sweats.
stage d
In the penultimate phase of menopause, menstruation begins to become really irregular, with periods extending beyond 35 days. Hot flashes are almost your best friend at this point, they’re so common. It is also a confusing stage. Sometimes you think that the last period has already passed. It is not surprising if your period suddenly comes again after three months.
stage e
Phase E is the last year of menstruation. This stage is characterized by intense hot flashes and pools of sweat at night. Fortunately, at this point, you feel less cramping, sore breasts, and mood swings. The only annoying thing. You just know this is the last year if you haven’t menstruated for a year.
Of course, transmission varies from person to person. Menopausal complaints can last for ten years or more, so be well aware of your complaints and take them seriously.
source: comcorAnd Moetiknaardedokter.nlAnd Girlsvanvijftig.nl
