Menopause is a natural part of a woman’s life—the time when her period ends. However, there’s still so much mystery around it. Like one’s first period, there’s no set age when menopause will start. It can happen in your 40s and 50s but is sometimes tricky to identify. The symptoms of menopause can be vague and gradual. They might not be as clear as the symptoms you had during your menstrual cycle. Luckily, there are signs to look for when navigating the world of menopause, to help you better understand where you’re headed.
Perimenopause: The start of hot flashes
At some point in your 40s, you might start to have physical symptoms that menopause is on the horizon. Known as ‘perimenopause,’ this stage offers physical clues to menopause, including a range of symptoms, such as:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Insomnia
- Low libido
- Irregular periods
- Mood swings
- Vaginal dryness
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Depression
- Memory loss
Drops in estrogen and progesterone, female hormones made in the ovaries, can prompt these symptoms. On average, perimenopause lasts for four years, but some women will only experience it short-term (10 months), while others might experience it more long-term (up to a decade).
Eating well and getting a good night’s sleep are key to working through perimenopause. Additionally, natural hormone therapy and balancing can help reduce your symptoms.
Menopause: It’s all happening
Menopause is confirmed when a woman has not had her period for 12 consecutive months. A natural part of aging, menopause happens when the ovaries stop producing progesterone and estrogen.
Though the average age of menopause is 51, it can start earlier or later—it all really depends on your genes. Usually, women will reach menopause around the same age as their mothers and sisters.
Symptoms of menopause are often similar to those of perimenopause, excluding irregular periods. Along with following a healthy routine, acupuncture and Chinese herbs can help treat the symptoms you might experience.
Postmenopause: The final stop
You’ve made it! Postmenopause is when a woman hasn’t had her period for an entire year. Due to a continued decrease in estrogen, uncomfortable symptoms can still surface, including:
- Mood swings
- Insomnia
- Headache
- Vaginal dryness
- Lingering hot flashes
While your hormones change, you may experience symptoms even after your periods are a thing of the past. Luckily, incorporating acupuncture and shifting to a more holistic lifestyle can help you along the way.
