Phases of Menopause

Menopause consists of three phases which are not precisely distinct, but overlap. They help describe where a person is in the process of menopause.

 

·        Perimenopause: This is the beginning of changes in a woman’s cycles and chemical make-up. Women in perimenopause will have fluctuating hormones. Also, there may be heavier or lighter periods and hot flashes may even begin during this time. Perimenopause may last about 4 to 6 years.

·        Menopause: This is the period when menses cease and the hormonal changes take full course. Once a year has passed since you had a period, you have reached menopause.

·        Postmenopause: The years that follow menopause are called postmenopause.