Know the First Signs of Menopause

Know the First Signs of Menopause

Is it Menopause? Know the first signs of Menopause at Ages 40, 50, and 55.

Know the First Signs of Menopause

Missed your period or maybe you’re getting a period twice a month? If you’re not pregnant or sick, maybe it’s peri-menopause. Peri-menopause can start in your early 40’s.

 

So how do you know it’s peri-menopause? Let’s define it.

Menopause, by definition, is the time where your menstrual cycle ends. It’s officially diagnosed if you haven’t had your period for exactly 12 months. But essentially, peri-menopause can describe any of the changes you go through just before or after you first missed your period. So it’s a pretty long journey.

Menopause has THREE stages: Perimenopause, Menopause, and Post-menopause.

Each of these has its timeline and its share of symptoms that you’re going to experience. So to find out where you’re at, let’s have a look at how these stages differ from each other.

 

To put it simply:

 

Perimenopause is the timeline that describes everything that is happening to your body that is leading up to Menopause. This phase usually starts 4-8 years before you enter menopause. This is the point wherein women experience early symptoms and changes to their bodies.

 

Menopause, on the other hand, is the phase that officially starts once you have gone 12 consecutive months since your last period. Reaching this phase will mean that you will not be able to bear any children since your ovaries have stopped releasing eggs and making most of their estrogen.

 

Post-menopause simply means the phase after your menopause. This is the phase where your ovaries are shut down and hormone production ceases completely. Women may still feel symptoms but they usually ease at this phase.

 

So when does menopause start?

Although menopause varies from woman to woman, the majority of women experience menopause in their 50s. But there are certain cases, where women in their 40s, can already experience menopause.

There is no absolute way of telling at what age you’ll experience menopause but genetics play a part. You can have a clearer idea by asking any member of your family who has gone through it, especially your mother.

But it’s always good to know, especially at a younger age, to be aware of possible menopausal symptoms you might experience. No matter if you’re in your 40s, 50s, or older, menopause can happen to you at any of these times. So here’s a short and easy list to remember of possible menopausal symptoms you might experience.

 

Menopause symptoms at age 40

Although the average menopause age is around 51, it is found that 10% of all women experience menopause in their 40s. This is called early menopause and you don’t have to fret. It is completely normal and safe to experience several symptoms at this stage. Since you’re still at a young age, usually you will be experiencing symptoms from the Perimenopause phase. This includes the following:

  • mood shifts
  • irregular period timings
  • changes in your period flow
  • hot flashes
  • sleeping problems or insomnia

 

Menopause symptoms at age 50

At this age, the majority of women will experience their last period and have their menopause 12 months after. As you get closer to menopause, your estrogen levels will start to decline and this will result in harsher menopausal symptoms. These symptoms include the following:

  • more intense perimenopause symptoms above
  • hot flashes and chills
  • night sweats
  • sore breasts
  • fatigue
  • joint and muscle pains
  • weight gain
  • headaches

 

Menopause symptoms at age 55

At this age, most women would have already entered the post-menopause phase. At this age, your body would have already adjusted to the lower estrogen levels. Women usually celebrate here as the symptoms at this stage ease down. Women will usually start to feel more awake, alert, and more productive again. Although this is usually the case, menopause symptoms at this stage still appear. Some of these include:

  • thinner hair
  • dryer skin
  • frequent urination
  • vaginal dryness
  • changes in sexual libido

 

Should I go see a Doctor?

Although all women will go through menopause, each and every one of you experience menopause differently. Some will have more intense symptoms while others will have little to no symptoms. You may experience hot flahes and brain fog while your friend has anxiety and insomnia.

There are several approaches to find relief for menopause symptoms. If your symptoms are out of control or really inhibiting your ability to funcition, then please reach out for help. I’ve written several previous posts with many ideas on how to mitigate symptoms naturally. If you want to take hormones, then make an appointment with your gyno to find out what would work best for you.

I am also available for a free consult to get you in the right direction to get some relief. All women experience menopause but it doesn’t have to be a hot, horrible mess. Trust me, I’ve been through it and I can help you with a plan. You don’t need to suffer through this. I’ve got you covered. Let’s talk. mailto:Donna@DonnaAcupucture.com?subject=menopause help

Sources:

https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/menopause-symptoms-by-age/

https://www.webmd.com/menopause/guide/menopause-basics

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