What is Menopause?
There are 3 recognised stages...
Perimenopause
It is the years leading up to that point whereby you are still having periods but also experiencing symptoms.
As your body transitions through this period, your hormone levels may change randomly, causing menopause symptoms unexpectedly.
Menopause
Periods usually start to become less frequent over a few months or years before they stop altogether.
Menopause is when you haven't had a period for 12 months.
Post Menopause
Post-menopause happens after the natural menopause transition.
With this, low hormone levels can bring their own symptoms.
Confidence comes with age, and looking beautiful comes from the confidence someone has in themselves.
Kate Winslet
Some interesting facts....
Where did the name Menopause come from?
Menopause literally means the "end of monthly cycles" (the end of monthly periods or menstruation) from the Greek word pausis ("pause") and mēn ("month").
What's the average age for Menopause
The average age for menopause is 51, but there is a lot of variation. If you reach menopause before the age of 45, this is known as "early menopause." In women under 40, this is sometimes referred to as Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI).
Who goes through the Menopause?
51% of our population (all women and menstruating people!) will transition through menopause & everyone around them will be impacted.
How well understood is the Menopause?
Over 86% of women do not truly know what menopause is or how it will impact them and often suffer silently, not knowing how to get the right support.
How long does perimenopause last?
On average, women are in perimenopause for four years before their periods stop, but this can last anywhere from a few months to more than 10 years.
Does everyone go through the same thing?
Hormones can go up and down unpredictably during the transition period hence why your symptoms can vary. Everyone's journey is unique to them.
Does Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) help?
Only 12% of menopausal women are on HRT. Many try other options first (or instead) as they have been scared off of it by bad press. This is slowly changing as the science is more understood and people are now becoming more aware of the benefits it can bring.
How supported do we feel?
Approximately two thirds of women say there is a general lack of support and understanding.
Why do I feel like I'm going crazy?
Women commonly complain of feeling as though they are going mad but with the right support and education there is no reason to feel overwhelmed or alone as you have a lot of options available to help out.
How bad can it get?
Every woman will go through it and 1 in 4 women will experience severe debilitating symptoms.