Hello lovely Ladies!

Perimenopause and menopause are natural transitions that occur in a woman’s life. Perimenopause is the period of time leading up to menopause, during which a woman’s body begins to experience hormonal changes that signal the end of her reproductive years. It typically begins in a woman’s 40s. However, some women may experience it as early as their 30s or as late as their 50s. Menopause, on the other hand, marks the end of menstruation and the permanent cessation of fertility.

“Menopause is a time of great change, a time of transition. It’s a time to let go of old ways and embrace new ways of being” – Christiane Northrup

There are several signs and symptoms that can indicate perimenopause or menopause. These include:

• Hot flashes: Hot flashes are a common symptom of perimenopause and menopause. These are characterized by a sudden feeling of warmth or heat, accompanied by sweating and a rapid heartbeat.

• Night sweats: Similar to hot flashes, night sweats are episodes of sweating that occur during the night. They can disrupt sleep and cause fatigue.

• Vaginal dryness: As hormone levels decrease, many women experience vaginal dryness, which can lead to discomfort or pain during intercourse.

• Mood swings: Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can also affect a woman’s mood, leading to irritability, depression, or anxiety.

• Fatigue: Fatigue is also a common symptom of perimenopause and menopause. This can be caused by disrupted sleep patterns due to hot flashes or night sweats.

• It is important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other factors and it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis.

To be sure of whether you are in perimenopause or menopause, it is important to keep track of your menstrual cycle, pay attention to any changes in your body, and consult with a healthcare professional.

Your healthcare provider may also recommend hormonal therapy or other treatments to manage symptoms. Remember, perimenopause and menopause are natural transitions and with proper care and a little bit of self esteem, you can still live a healthy, active life during this time.

And how do I know that I am in Postmenopause?

Postmenopause is the stage of a woman’s life that follows menopause, which is when a woman stops having menstrual periods. Once a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a period, she is considered to be in postmenopause.

Health issues that can occur in postmenopause:

Osteoporosis: After menopause, women lose bone density at a faster rate, which can increase the risk of osteoporosis, a condition that causes bones to become brittle and fragile.

• Cardiovascular disease: Postmenopausal women have an increased risk of developing heart disease and stroke, due to the decline in estrogen levels.

• Vaginal dryness and atrophy: The decreased levels of estrogen can cause dryness and thinning of the vaginal tissues, which can lead to irritation, itching, and pain during intercourse.

• Urinary incontinence: The decline in estrogen levels can also cause weakening of the muscles that support the bladder, which can lead to urinary incontinence.
• Cognitive decline: Some studies suggest that postmenopausal women may have an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia, but more research is needed to understand the link.

• Depression and Anxiety: Hormonal changes can lead to mood swings and depression, which can be a symptom of postmenopause.

It’s important to note that these health issues are not inevitable and many can be prevented or treated with a healthy lifestyle and regular check-ups with a healthcare professional. Postmenopause is a natural part of aging and with the right care and mindset, you can still continue living a crazy and wild life for many years to come!

Take good care of you!

Tara