{"id":1610,"date":"2022-07-20T09:56:53","date_gmt":"2022-07-20T09:56:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/south-miami-obgyn-associates\/?p=1610"},"modified":"2022-09-02T10:13:56","modified_gmt":"2022-09-02T10:13:56","slug":"stages-of-menopause-when-it-starts-symptoms-and-proper-treatments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/south-miami-obgyn-associates\/stages-of-menopause-when-it-starts-symptoms-and-proper-treatments\/","title":{"rendered":"Stages of Menopause: When It Starts, Symptoms, and Proper Treatments"},"content":{"rendered":"

Here\u2019s our take: Menopause is a milestone in a woman\u2019s life.<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s a period of time when you no longer have your period.<\/span><\/p>\n

Simultaneously, it marks the end of your ability to conceive.<\/span><\/p>\n

Menopause is a natural process that is directly related to the decrease in your female reproductive hormones as you get older.<\/span><\/p>\n

For some, it\u2019s a period of liberation. No more birth control pills. No more tampons.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For others, it\u2019s the beginning of a host of different challenges such as hot flashes and health issues.<\/span><\/p>\n

At <\/span>South Miami OB-GYN<\/a><\/strong>, we treat women of all ages and understand the physical changes associated with menopause. And we are experts at offering solutions to help you navigate this stage in life.<\/span><\/p>\n

When Does Menopause Start?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Menopause officially begins 12 months after your last period. Most women go through menopause between the ages of 45-55, but menopause can start earlier or later.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to the <\/span>North American Menopause Society<\/a><\/strong>,<\/span> the average age in the US is 51.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Happy<\/p>\n

What Are the Three Stages of Menopause?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

We refer to menopause globally. But there are three distinct stages of menopause.<\/span><\/p>\n

Perimenopause:<\/b><\/h3>\n

Officially, the first stage of menopause\/perimenopause is when ovaries start winding down in preparation for menopause. Your level of estrogen goes up and down which can trigger hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood swings. During perimenopause, your regular cycle may become irregular or you may go for months without a period. Your menstrual flow may change as well. Some months may be lighter and some may be heavier. Interestingly, some women never experience perimenopause and have no warning symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n

If your symptoms interfere with your quality of life, you may want to schedule a consultation with your OBGYN.<\/span><\/p>\n

Menopause: <\/b><\/h3>\n

The second stage, menopause, technically refers to the exact time when you have not had your period for 12 consecutive months. During this stage, your ovaries officially stop making estrogen and progesterone.<\/span><\/p>\n

Postmenopause: <\/b><\/h3>\n

The years following the official start of menopause are considered postmenopausal years, which last for the rest of your life. Usually, your symptoms will get lighter and many of our patients tell us they feel so much better. If you do experience vaginal bleeding or an increase in the intensity of your symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with your OBGYN.<\/span><\/p>\n

How Is Menopause Diagnosed (or How Do You Know You Are in Menopause?)<\/b><\/h2>\n

Women generally know when they are in menopause. But for an official staging and diagnosis, we highly recommend a visit to your OBGYN.<\/span><\/p>\n

Your OBGYN can do a blood test to check your hormone levels such as estrogen and FSH.\u00a0 The official diagnosis of menopause is generally based on test results, physical exams, and the date of your last period.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Are the Most Common Symptoms of Menopause?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The most common symptom, the one everyone experiences, is a change in your period.\u00a0 For some, it stops suddenly. For others, it becomes heavier, lighter, or more erratic. But at some point, every woman stops having her period.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are the other common symptoms:<\/b><\/h3>\n