Menopause isn’t an end — it’s a new beginning! This chapter presents a unique opportunity to celebrate your body’s incredible strength and resilience as it undergoes natural changes. By understanding menopause and its stages, you can empower yourself to embrace the transition with confidence, fostering a positive outlook and reducing anxiety. Shifting your perspective can transform this life stage into a journey of self-care, growth and empowerment.
Understanding perimenopause and menopause
Menopause is a natural transition divided into two stages — perimenopause and menopause. Knowing the signs and symptoms of each can help you better understand the changes happening in your body and how to manage them.
The menopause stages:
Perimenopause - The transition to menopause often begins several years before your periods stop completely, typically in your early 40s. During this phase, you may experience hormonal fluctuations that lead to a variety of symptoms, such as hot flashes, mood swings and changes in your menstrual cycle. Many women experience irregular periods or increased PMS-like symptoms during this time. Understanding this transitional phase is essential, as it lays the groundwork for what’s to come.
Menopause - Menopause is officially diagnosed when you have gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period (and have no other underlying reason for the absence of a period), signaling the end of your reproductive years. It typically occurs in your late 40s to early 50s and can cause various symptoms due to decreased hormone levels. Everyday experiences include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and mood changes. Remember that every woman’s experience is unique, and symptoms vary widely.
Once menopause is reached, it continues for the rest of your life. While some symptoms may ease, others can persist. The decline in hormone production can affect your health in various ways, potentially increasing your risk for certain conditions, such as osteoporosis and heart disease. However, aging in general also affects these disorders. Regular monitoring and preventive care are essential during postmenopause to maintain overall health and well-being.
Prioritizing health and preventive care
Hormonal changes during menopause can impact your health, but they don’t automatically mean you’ll face chronic conditions like heart disease or osteoporosis. By maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, staying active and managing stress, you can significantly reduce health risks. Regular checkups with your doctor will help monitor your overall health and catch any potential issues early.
Preventive care becomes even more important as you navigate menopause, so scheduling regular visits with your primary care physician ensures that you stay informed about changes in your body. Screenings — including mammograms, bone density tests, and cardiovascular assessments — should remain essential parts of your health routine to identify issues before they become more significant concerns.
At Tanner Healthcare for Women, specialists are dedicated to supporting you through your menopause journey. We offer tailored treatment options to address symptoms and promote emotional, mental and physical well-being. Whether you’re considering hormone therapy, medication or non-hormonal alternatives, our team provides a holistic approach to managing health during this transition. We work with you to find solutions that best align with your lifestyle and help manage the symptoms of menopause.
To learn more about menopause, including symptoms and management options, call 770-214-CARE.