“Navigating the Stages of Menopause: From Perimenopause to Postmenopause Symptoms”

The stages of menopause include perimenopause, menopause, and

postmenopause. Here are the common symptoms associated with each stage:

Perimenopause (Pre-menopause)

This phase typically begins in a woman’s 40s but can start earlier and lasts several years. It’s the transition period leading up to menopause when hormone levels (particularly oestrogen) fluctuate.

Symptoms:

• Irregular periods (they may become shorter, longer, heavier, or lighter)

• Hot flashes and night sweats

• Mood swings or irritability

• Sleep disturbances (insomnia)

• Vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse

• Decreased libido

• Weight gain or changes in body shape

• Breast tenderness

• Fatigue

• Urinary issues (e.g., incontinence or increased frequency)

• Hair thinning or dry skin

Menopause

Menopause is diagnosed when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, marking the end of menstruation and fertility. This stage usually occurs around age 50.

Symptoms:

• Hot flashes (often more intense during menopause)

• Night sweats

• Vaginal dryness

• Mood changes (e.g., anxiety, depression)

• Difficulty concentrating or memory problems (sometimes referred to as “brain fog”)

• Thinning hair and dry skin

• Loss of breast fullness

• Joint aches and stiffness

Postmenopause

This stage follows menopause and continues for the rest of a woman’s life. The symptoms of menopause may ease during this time, but lower hormone levels may increase the risk of certain health conditions.

Symptoms:

• Hot flashes and night sweats (these may continue for a while in some women)

• Vaginal dryness and thinning, leading to discomfort during sex

• Increased risk of osteoporosis (bone thinning) and fractures

• Increased risk of cardiovascular disease

• Weight gain or changes in fat distribution

• Urinary issues, such as incontinence

• Reduced skin elasticity and increased wrinkling

The intensity and combination of symptoms vary widely between women, with some experiencing mild symptoms and others having more severe symptoms.

Written by Karyn Campbell, Naturopath and Herbalist at Hābu Health. Karyn helps women 40+ navigate perimenopause with natural, evidence-based care that restores balance to hormones, gut, and mind.