Am I in menopause?

A recent study has shown that nearly 50% of women are unaware they are in the menopause transition, and approx 30% of women who were aware of perimenopause don't understand the timing or what to expect. This highlights significant gaps in awareness and understanding of this life stage.

What is menopause and what are the stages?

Menopause is a natural biological process that occurs in four stages, marking the transition out of a woman’s reproductive years.

It begins with premenopause, refers to the stage in a woman's reproductive years before any menopausal symptoms or hormonal changes begin. During this time, menstrual cycles are regular, and hormone levels are stable, allowing for normal fertility

This is followed by perimenopause, which  is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, Usually it begins in a woman’s 40s, though it can start as early as the mid-30s.. During this stage, the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen and progesterone, leading to fluctuating hormone levels that may cause symptoms such as:

• hot flashes,

• night sweats,

• mood swings,

• sleep disturbances,

• vaginal dryness,

• brain fog.

• Irregular periods

• Spotting and heavy bleeds

Perimenopause can last anywhere from 4 to 10 years, ending with menopause—defined as 12 consecutive months without a period. The hormonal decline during this phase increases risks of osteoporosis, as estrogen supports bone density, and cardiovascular disease, since estrogen helps maintain healthy blood vessels.

Menopause is officially reached after 12 consecutive months without a period, signaling a significant drop in estrogen and the end of ovulation, where the ovaries stop releasing eggs. This usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average age being 51. Levels of estrogen and progesterone decline, leading to a variety of symptoms. These may include some of the symptoms of peri-menopause but additionally include :

• vaginal dryness,

• reduced libido,

• sleep disturbances,

• fatigue,

• memory lapses,

• Anxiety and other mood related issues

• weight gain,

• thinning hair

• Dry aging Skin

Not all women suffer from these symptoms, but likewise many women do suffer from these and do not realise that these are symptoms of menopause.

Menopause is a time when women need to start taking their health seriously and putting themselves first due to an increased risk of long-term health issues, such as osteoporosis, Sarcopenia, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes.

What can you do to support your transition?

Symptoms and future health risks can be managed naturally through healthy nutrition, regular exercise, stress management, getting enough sleep, reducing toxic load, and adopting a healthy lifestyle. This can be supported with supplementation and herbal medicine

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