Menopause is one of the most conspicuous phases of change for a woman as it marks a culmination of her reproductive years and propels her onto the next stage in her life. To that end, a baffling 90 percent of women aren’t in the complete know of things when it comes to menopause and almost 60 percent are totally unaware of it. (1)
In this blog, we shall talk in detail about when does menopause start and touch upon the fact that it isn’t an exclusive or one-off event but, in fact, a series of changes that focalize menopausal transition.
Although the stages of menopause can be demarcated, their onset, intensity and extent varies from women to women. Ayurveda recognises this change and it has endowed us with priceless knowledge of handling this transition that empowers work to embrace this phase like a breath of fresh air.
Stages Of Menopause
There are three stages of menopause; perimenopause, menopause and post menopause.
Perimenopause
Firstly, let’s talk about perimenopause. The average age of menopause is in the 40s and its stages can last for a couple of years. However, there is no stipulation for its duration and age of onset, as some women might begin noticing signs of perimenopause as early as in their 30s.
When one is equipped with the right knowledge to identify the signs of perimenopause, it becomes easier to navigate through it:
Signs Of Perimenopause
We have put together a list of some of the most common signs of perimenopause for your reference:
Irregular Cycles
This is one of the most common signs of perimenopause. Women might experience irregularity and a change in the intensity and flow of their periods.
Hot Flashes
This is another common sign of perimenopause. A woman might have to go through periods of intense sweating and heat with or without a stimulant. At times, these hot flashes might become too pronounced during sleep, thereby causing you to wake up. This phenomenon is also known as night sweats.
Sensitivity And Mood Swings
One of the most evident signs of perimenopause are mood swings. So many struggle with heightened sensitivity and hormonal changes during this phase that it affects their ability to go about their day in a balanced and positive manner.
Perimenopause can last for 4-8 years or more. It ends when a woman is able to cross the 12 month threshold without experiencing periods.
Menopause
The next phase in the menopausal journey is Menopause. It begins after the absence of menstruation for 12 months. This period might bring respite for some women as the intensity of some changes that were through the roof during perimenopause might begin to stabilise a bit. However, that cannot be said about all symptoms.
Let us take a look at some of the most defining symptoms of this phase:
Changes In Bone Health
As the oestrogen levels plummet, a woman’s bone health might become affected. (2) If left unchecked, it can have severe health implications and can even result in osteoporosis.
Changes In Libido
Hormonal fluctuations can cause a decrease in a woman's sex drive. Factors like vaginal dryness, night sweat and insomnia further contribute to this particular change.
Changes In One’s Appearance
Menopause can also lead to hair thinning and a decrease in collagen levels that can bring about a change in the way you look. Careful changes in your lifestyle, wholesome changes in your diet and carefully selected Ayurvedic supplements from Menoveda, can be helpful in overriding this and various other changes so that you can continue to maintain radiant and healthy skin and hair.
Menopause usually starts around 51 years of age but it can vary for different women.
Post - Menopause
This phase lasts for the rest of a woman’s life. It is a purview of the previous phase and it is characterised by the following symptoms:
Weight Gain
Hormonal fluctuations can bring about a lot of changes for a woman and weight gain is undoubtedly the most bothersome for many women. (3) It might become a significant issue for those women who are already overweight. A careful watch and the necessary corrective measures need to be taken to address and alleviate the problems associated with excess weight gain.
Urinary Changes
With time, correct guidance, a proper diet, an active lifestyle and thoughtfully selected dietary supplements, one might be able to stabilise the hormonal fluctuations to a great extent but some changes might be here to stay! For example, a woman’s pelvic muscles might become weak and this can result in urinary changes like incontinence etc.
Cardiovascular Changes
After passing through the different stages of menopause, women might become prone to different issues related to their heart health. (4)
This calls for timely health checkups and befitting changes in one’s lifestyle and dietary habits.
How To Pass This Menopausal Transition Naturally?
In order to sail through the different stages of menopause, women should apprise themselves of the nitty gritty of this change and understand the manner in which their own bodies might react to it. Subsequently, one must seek expert guidance to make well informed choices that can help in handling these changes with ease and grace. In order to tackle menopausal changes, women need to adopt a multifaceted approach that involves an active lifestyle, balanced dietary choices and mindfully chosen supplements to replenish any nutritional gaps.
We hope that the above-mentioned information will help you infer that there is no stipulated menopause age and a woman needs to be on the lookout for changes in her emotional, mental and physical state to chart out the future course of corrective action. If you have been looking for the perfect menopause supplements to help you feel yourself amidst the myriad of menopausal changes, Akira from Menoveda will be your trusted ally. Try it out and thank us later!
FAQs On Menopause Timeline
Q Is menopause a difficult time?
Ans: When a woman enters the menopause age, it can be a tricky period for her as fluctuations in hormones might bring about unwanted changes in her mind and body.
Q What is the rough age of menopause?
Ans: Typically, the time between the age range of 45-55 is considered to be a rough age of menopause.
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9244939/
- https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/menopause-and-osteoporosis#
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8569454/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8762155/
