The 3 Phases of A Woman's Menopause

Menopause begins when a lady's menstruation comes to an end. For most ladies, it begins in their mid 40's, although it varies from one lady to the next. As the levels of estrogen and progesterone drop, a lady may start to experience the symptoms of the first stages of menopause. symptoms of menopause is usually a gradual process that can take several years. The menopause process is defined into three phases: pre-menopause or perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause.

Perimenopause can begin three to five years before your final menstrual cycle. It is documented by some experts that say perimenopause is the 15 years before your last period. The symptoms of menopause may start gradually during this time. The common joke about perimenopause is that the one consistent thing about perimenopause is that its inconsistent. You may notice that your periods are not as regular, ovulation is inconsistent, your periods may last longer, and you could have sexual mood swings. You may have difficulty sleeping (menopause and insomnia).

Menopause begins once you've had your final period. Your perimenopause may continue for awhile, including gaining excessive weight. Your hormone levels are adjusting to lower levels, and your body is making its final adjustments to no longer being fertile. This happens because, your ovaries have stopped releasing eggs, and estrogen production has decreased significantly.

The final stage of menopause (also known as post-menopause begins when you have not had a menstrual cycle for a year to 18 months. Many of the symptoms of menopause have eased, or will continue to ease up as time passes. Getting yourself pregnant is no longer a possibility. With the low amounts of estrogen, however, there are new health issues you may now be faced with like osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Something that is not very comforting is that for a woman, her risks of cardiovascular disease are equal to that of a man.

Menopause is natural, but it still is not welcome - but remember they are temporary. More than any other time in a woman's life, she needs to work with a doctor she trusts. They may be able to discuss with you some remedies to help you get through many of the changes. Other women choose to try natural therapies or to find alternative methods to deal with the three stages of menopause.