Menopause is a natural process wherein a person stops having periods. This happens when ovaries no longer release an egg and also stop producing as much of the hormone, estrogen.
According to the NHS, UK, “periods usually start to become less frequent over a few months or years before they stop altogether. Sometimes they can stop suddenly”. Thus, there are different stages that gradually occur before menopause and it is very important to know and understand these transitional phases.
The two terms premenopause and perimenopause are often used in place of one another but there is a difference. Premenopause is referred to as the period before menopause which may not be marked by any significant or visible symptoms.
It is when the symptoms for menopause begin to show, that it is referred to as perimenopause. This usually occurs a few months or years before menopause. Some of the common symptoms of perimenopause include irregular periods, hot flushes, breast tenderness and worse pre-menstrual syndrome. It is important to note, that you may still get pregnant during the perimenopause phase.
But when the estrogen levels fall significantly is when the ovaries stop releasing eggs and periods stop entirely. It can then be said that someone has been through menopause if they have had no periods for a year or so. Some of the symptoms include hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, difficulty sleeping and mood swings.
If the symptoms begin to get worse then it is advised that you consult a doctor.