The essential peri and menopause changes every woman should know

Marie Stambe

Marie Stambe

Marie is an emerging writer who loves all things content creation. From her Italian heritage to her deep-rooted passions (fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and fun), Marie harnesses the power of personal experiences to write stories that are #relatable and easy to digest. Because who has the time?
Medically reviewed Medically reviewed by Dr Nicole Avard
Updated on Oct 26, 2024 · 8 mins read
The essential peri and menopause changes every woman should know

Menopause isn't the big scary monster under the bed, or in the wardrobe. In fact, it's not a monster at all. It's a natural phase in every woman's life, and these days - it feels like it's happening when we're busier than ever.  


With women having kids at a later stage in life, and still giving their all to their professional careers, perimenopause and menopause can catch them off-guard.

Am I really there yet?

The stigma is sticky, but it can be torn down. By sharing with your community, reaching out to support, and reframing this chapter as simply another iteration of you, peri and menopause won’t feel so scary. All the more so when you’re armed with accurate information.

To give you the introductory essentials, we’ve collaborated with Metluma – a doctor-led digital health startup that’s recently released an app that’s co-designed and evidence based to support and educate women through menopause.

Understanding menopause


Definition of menopause

Menopause is officially defined as the one day in a woman’s life that marks 12 consecutive months since her last menstrual period. Sort of like Mother Nature’s way of telling our reproductive years to retire and have a well-deserved holiday.

It also brings hormonal changes that can stir up mood swings, weight fluctuation, fatigue and shifts in libido. Menopause is much more than hot flushes (albeit a significant symptom).

The average age of menopause

In Australia, the average age of menopause clocks in at around 51 years of age. Of course, this number can sway a bit based on genetics, lifestyle choices, and overall health, but when the ovaries decide to take a well-deserved break from releasing eggs, there’s no getting in their way.

Menopause that happens before the age of 40 is considered ‘premature menopause’, and before the age of 45 is marked as early menopause.


Common symptoms of menopause


Physical symptoms

  • Hot Flushing
  • Changes in menstrual cycle: Shortening or lengthening
  • Altered bleeding patterns: Heavier or irregular bleeding
  • Night sweats
  • Sleep pattern changes
  • Joint pains
  • Skin dryness

Emotional and psychological symptoms

  • Increased anxiety
  • Depression or low mood
  • Irritability
  • Cognitive hypofunctioning: Brain fog and memory issues

Genitourinary symptoms

  • Reduced libido
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Recurrent urinary tract infections


The perimenopause stage


Big changes don’t happen overnight.

Perimenopause, is the stage just before menopause. For some, it kicks off in the late 30s or early 40s for most women but looks different for everyone depending on genetics, lifestyle, and overall health. This phase can last for several years, typically around 4 to 10 years before menopause officially occurs.

Hormonal changes

During perimenopause, your ovaries gradually decrease their production of estrogen and progesterone, which can lead to irregularities in menstrual cycles. Oestrogen levels may go up and down, leaving you with hot flushes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Progesterone levels are on a general decline downwards, affecting mood and potentially contributing to changes in sleep patterns.

Symptoms of perimenopause

The formal definition of perimenopause is a change in menstrual cycle by more than 7 days for consecutive cycles – but other symptoms may occur prior to this. For instance, sleep and mood changes, sweating, and a change in libido.

Emotional and psychological symptoms like anxiety and irritability can also occur. (Which might be why your partner seems to be pressing all the wrong buttons lately).

Health strategies

,As menopuase represents a doorway to aging well, building a foundation of  lifestyle adjustments such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management techniques can assist in navigating this journey. 

Hormone replacement therapy or other medications may also be recommended and are generally safe and effective, if symptoms are impactful for you. Regular check-ups with healthcare providers are important for monitoring health changes and addressing any concerns.

Perimenopause versus postpartum


In recent years, there has been an increasing trend of women choosing to (or having to, with external factors) become pregnant later in life, often in their late 30s or early 40s. This demographic shift brings unique considerations, particularly regarding perimenopause and the postpartum period.

Perimenopausal symptoms can often coincide with pregnancy or the immediate postpartum phase for these women. Confusing, to say the least – especially when there’s a lot of overlap in the symptoms too.

It might mean that women may experience prolonged recovery times, increased fatigue, and heightened emotional adjustments while balancing the demands of parenthood with the perimenopausal changes.

Healthcare professionals are really important here. To help pinpoint your symptoms, manage the juggle, and ensure you can look after yourself while looking after your little one.

Understanding post-menopause


Postmenopause refers to the time after the menopause, remembering the menopause is simply one day, 12 consecutive months after the last menstruation. It’s like reaching the summit after climbing a mountain – you’re nearly there, and now it’s about enjoying the view and embracing this new phase of life.

Hormonal changes

After menopause, hormonal levels continue to fluctuate, albeit at lower levels than during the reproductive years.

Oestrogen levels remain low, which can contribute to ongoing symptoms such as hot flushes, weight distribution and vaginal dryness, 

Progesterone levels also remain low, potentially affecting mood ands sleep patterns, for some.

Some postmenopausal women find that certain menopausal symptoms overlap into postmenopause. 

The body, however, is clever in adapting to this new equilibrium and many symptoms will resolve for the majority of people while others may experience ongoing challenges.  

The experience is individual and different for each woman.

When to seek medical help


Symptoms become apparent

It’s advisable to consult a general practitioner (GP) if you have concerns or curiosity about symptoms that may be related to menopause. A GP can provide guidance, perform necessary tests, and offer options for managing symptoms effectively, so make that appointment! If you are searching for a General Practitioner with a special interest in the menopause transition, the Australian Menopause Society has a list here.

Impact on life

If symptoms begin to significantly impact your life in terms of relationships, work, or physical health – it’s definitely time to reach out. Difficult symptoms can includesevere hot flushes affecting sleep, mood instability impacting daily functioning, or changes in vaginal health causing discomfort. The right GP can offer personalised advice, prescribe medications if needed, and refer you to specialists such asendocrinologists for further evaluation and management of menopausal symptoms.

Preparing for a GP visit


Symptom tracking

Prior to your appointment, use resources such as journals or apps to list your symptoms and note how they impact your daily life. The Metluma app is a great way to track these.

Include details like the frequency and severity of hot flushes, changes in menstrual patterns, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and any other symptoms you’ve noticed. This information helps your GP understand the full scope of your experience and can aid in making an accurate diagnosis and design a personalised treatment pathway or care plan.

Holistic understanding

Consider how symptoms may be influenced by various aspects of your life, such as stress levels, diet, exercise habits, and overall health. Reflect on any recent life changes or medical history that could contribute to your symptoms. Having your own holistic awareness around how the transition is impacting you personally and what changes are helpful helps your GP consider all possible factors affecting your health and tailor recommendations accordingly.

Effective and open communication

During your GP visit, aim to present a comprehensive view of your symptoms and their impact on your daily activities, relationships, and work. Be prepared to discuss your concerns openly and ask questions about potential treatment options or lifestyle changes. Write down anything you’d like to clarify. 

Importantly, let go of any shame that might be keeping you quiet. Your body deserves to be understood and empowered (and so do you).

Navigating GP consultations


Specialised care

When seeking guidance for menopause symptoms, consider GPs who have undergone additional training or have a special interest in menopause management.

These healthcare providers are often more familiar with the latest research, treatment options, and supportive care practices tailored to menopausal women.

Persistence

Finding the right GP who understands and respects your concerns about menopause may require some effort and persistence. Self-advocacy is an essential experience of womanhood – we need to back ourselves to be taken seriously.

It’s essential to feel comfortable and confident with your healthcare provider, as open communication and trust are vital for effective care. Don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion or explore different GP practices until you find a professional who listens to your needs and provides personalised support.

Preparing for the menopause journey


Empowerment through knowledge

Reliable sources include reputable medical websites, books authored by healthcare professionals, and information provided by healthcare providers specialising in menopause. Which is why we collaborated with Metluma to give you the most recent research and advice.

Continuous learning

Staying curious and proactive about health and support options is crucial throughout the menopause journey. The field of menopause management continues to evolve with new research, treatments, and lifestyle recommendations. By staying informed and engaged, you can advocate for yourself during medical appointments, explore safe alternative therapies, and adapt your self-care routines, as needed, to optimise your quality of life.

Support Networks

Building a support network can provide invaluable emotional and practical support during the menopause transition. To listen, share, and feel less alone when facing down this chapter.

Online resources, such as forums or support groups dedicated to menopause, offer opportunities to connect with other women experiencing similar challenges and share insights and coping strategies.

Wrapping it up


This is a one-of-a-kind journey for every woman out there. It’s all about empowering yourself with knowledge, staying on the lookout for health options, and surrounding yourself with a crew that’s got your back.

Remember, reaching out to qualified healthcare professionals and leaning on your people can be game-changers. They’ve got the know-how and the empathy to help you manage symptoms and celebrate the upsides of this natural transition.

So, here’s to embracing the journey, staying strong, and finding joy in the changes ahead.

Sources


Metluma, Module 1: Understanding Menopause, 2024

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