Understanding Pre-Menopause, Menopause, and Post Menopause

The landmark event all women dread, menopause, occurs when your ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone. Over time your monthly cycle comes to an end. That part is often a welcome relief, but the accompanying symptoms of menopause can be difficult. Hormone replacement therapy is available to help make the transition lest drastic. Some people wouldn't carry on without their replacement therapy; others decry the use of artificial hormones.

Here we will explore the topic together, exposing facts and myths. Perhaps this will help you decide the best course for your future, or the future of someone you love.

First, there is no set time when women enter menopause. The onset of symptoms can begin anywhere between your 30's or your 60's. The average age for the onset of menopause is 51, according to researchers for Healty Advice.

Menopause doesn't creep up on women and hit them all of a sudden. There are three distinct stages to menopause: perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. Perimenopaus is a difficult time, because you often experience the symptoms of menopause, but continue to have your period. You have reached menopause when your period has stopped for at least twelve months. Sometimes the line between perimenopause and menopause may be blurred. This is because often, during perimenopause your period may be erratic, or start and stop at unpredictable intervals. You can be sure you have entered menopause when your period stops for 12 months. Postmenopaus are the years following menopause. While hormonal issues may arise, enjoy this period in your life with new freedom from your monthly cycle.

Menopause affects women physically and mentally. Sadly, many women feel they are aging and no longer worthwhile as a woman when they begin to enter menopause. That is not true. You are every bit the woman you were before you entered menopause. Stay away from women who wear the badge of menopause as a sign that their life as they knew it is over. Consider postmenopause a new chapter in your life, in which you are able to redefine yourself. Re-evaluate your goals, and make plans for the future.