The stages of menopause

Menopause doesn’t happen all at once - it’s a process that takes place over several years, marked by a gradual decline in hormone levels and changes to your menstrual cycle. Understanding the different stages of menopause can help you make sense of the physical and emotional changes you may be experiencing.

Read on to discover what each stage involves, when they typically occur and how Bluecrest’s Advanced Menopause Profile can support you in tracking your hormone health throughout the journey.

What are the different stages of menopause?

While menopause is often thought of as a single moment in time, it’s actually part of a longer hormonal transition with distinct phases. Each stage brings its own set of symptoms and changes, shaped by fluctuating hormone levels.

Knowing how the process typically unfolds can give helpful context to what your body is going through, whether you’re just starting to notice symptoms or already post-menopause.

Pre-menopause

Pre-menopause refers to the time in your life when your menstrual cycle is still regular, and you’re not yet experiencing menopause symptoms. During this stage, hormone levels are relatively stable, and fertility is still present.

Although it’s considered the ‘normal’ reproductive phase, subtle hormonal shifts may begin as you approach your 40s - even if you don’t notice any obvious changes yet. This stage sets the foundation for the hormonal transition to come, eventually leading into perimenopause.

Perimenopause

Perimenopause is the transitional stage before menopause, when hormone levels - particularly oestrogen and progesterone - begin to fluctuate. This stage often starts in your 40s, though some women may notice changes earlier. You might still be having periods, but they may become irregular, heavier or lighter than usual.

It’s also common to experience symptoms like hot flushes, night sweats, mood changes and disturbed sleep. Perimenopause is the stage where many women first become aware of hormonal shifts and can last anywhere from a few months to several years, with most women experiencing this stage for around four to eight years. The length varies depending on how quickly hormone levels decline and when menopause is reached.

For some, symptoms may come and go, while for others they may steadily increase in intensity over time. Tracking changes to your cycle and symptoms can help you understand whether you're entering or progressing through perimenopause, especially if you’re unsure what’s normal for your age or stage of life.

Menopause

Menopause is officially reached when you haven’t had a period for 12 consecutive months. It marks the end of your reproductive years, as the ovaries stop releasing eggs and oestrogen levels drop significantly. For most women, this happens between the ages of 45 and 55. While some symptoms may ease at this stage, others - like hot flushes, mood changes or fatigue - can continue.

The timing of menopause varies from person to person and can be influenced by genetics, medical treatments, or underlying health conditions.

During this time, your body goes through various changes due to decreased oestrogen and progesterone levels, which can lead to:

• Hot flushes and night sweats

• Changes in sleep patterns

• Vaginal dryness

• Mood swings or irritability

• Changes in libido

• Joint pain or stiffness

These symptoms can vary in intensity and duration, with some women experiencing relief, while others continue to feel symptoms post-menopause.

Post-menopause

Post-menopause begins once it’s been a full year since your last period. By this stage, oestrogen and progesterone levels have stabilised at a lower level, and you can no longer conceive naturally.

While some symptoms - like hot flushes or low mood - may continue for a few years, they often become less intense over time. However, the drop in hormones can increase the risk of certain health issues, such as osteoporosis and heart disease, making it important to monitor your health and seek support if needed.

How do symptoms change across menopause stages?

Symptoms can evolve significantly throughout the stages of menopause, with each stage bringing different challenges.

• Pre-menopause: Typically no noticeable symptoms, as hormones are still stable.

• Perimenopause: Symptoms like hot flushes, irregular periods, mood swings and sleep issues may start.

• Menopause: Many of the same symptoms continue, but periods stop completely.

• Post-menopause: Hormonal symptoms may decrease, but health risks, such as osteoporosis, increase due to lower oestrogen levels.

Understanding your menopause stage

Knowing where you are in the menopause journey can help you manage symptoms and plan ahead for your health. Hormone levels change throughout the stages, and tracking these changes can provide clarity. With the Advanced Menopause Profile, you can gain a deeper understanding of your hormonal health, helping you navigate this transition with confidence.

Book your private menopause blood test today and receive insights into your hormone levels, plus a consultation with a GP to discuss your next steps.

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