What are the 3 Stages of Menopause?

The journey through womanhood is filled with many milestones - some we eagerly anticipate, and others we might approach with a mix of anxiety and uncertainty. Menopause, for many, sits firmly in the latter category

The mere mention of the word often conjures images of hot flashes, mood swings, and sleepless nights. You might have heard warnings about the looming 'change of life' from friends or loved ones. 

While the various menopause stages come with their unique set of challenges, they also herald the beginning of an empowering phase in a woman's life. Like any significant change, the journey can seem daunting without the right guide and tools.

So, what are the 3 stages of menopause? How can you tell which stage you’re in, and what can you expect in the next one? You’ve come to the right place.

In this thorough breakdown of the three stages of menopause, we’ll guide you through the ins and outs of perimenopause (the first stage of menopause), menopause itself (the second stage), and postmenopause (the third and final chapter of this transformative journey).

Whether you’re just starting the early stages of menopause or you’re already well into this period, we’ll provide tips on managing menopause symptoms at each stage. 

From menopause anxiety to menopause weight gain and more, having the best probiotic for menopause can make a dramatic difference in the way you look and feel. More on that later - let’s first get into the three stages of menopause below.

What are the 3 Stages of Menopause?

So, what are the 3 stages of menopause? As we briefly mentioned above, it all starts with perimenopause. So, let’s dissect the first chapter in the story that awaits you.

First Stage of Menopause: Perimenopause

Perimenopause is a term you may have come across, but perhaps not fully understood. Derived from the Greek prefix “peri” meaning “around” or “near”, perimenopause refers to the time “around” menopause. 

It's the precursor to full-blown menopause and heralds the winding down of your reproductive years. This phase signifies the start of the transition, where the ovaries gradually begin to produce less estrogen. 

While it’s a natural progression in every woman’s life, it's often met with a mix of anticipation and trepidation due to the changes it brings. Here’s what you can expect…

Common Symptoms and What to Expect

• Irregular Menstrual Cycles: One of the earliest signs of perimenopause is a change in the regularity of your menstrual cycle. You might skip a month here and there or even have a heavier or lighter flow than usual.
• Hot Flashes and Night Sweats: A sudden feeling of warmth, typically starting from the face and neck and spreading outward, characterizes hot flashes. They might be followed by sweating and then a cold chill.
• Mood Fluctuations: Emotional roller-coasters aren’t just for teenagers. During perimenopause, you might experience mood swings, irritability, or even bouts of depression.
• Sleep Disruptions: Whether it's due to night sweats or other factors, many women find their sleep affected during this time.
• Vaginal Dryness: A decrease in estrogen can result in dryness, itching, or discomfort during intercourse.
• Decrease in Libido: A waning sexual desire is not uncommon during this transition. This can be a result of hormone fluctuation along with the other changes your body is going through causing a hit to your confidence, including weight gain. This could also be the result of the exhaustion caused by menopause fatigue.
• Weight Gain: Many women notice weight gain during perimenopause, particularly around the midsection. This is due to a combination of hormonal changes, age-related loss of muscle mass, and lifestyle factors. Fortunately, you can learn how to stop menopause weight gain with a few easy steps.

While these symptoms are common, each woman’s experience is unique. Some may go through perimenopause with minimal symptoms, while others might need more support to manage them effectively.

Duration and Typical Age Range

The big question on your mind is when will this menopause stage begin? Perimenopause isn't a one-size-fits-all experience, and its duration varies. On average, it spans about 4 years, but for some women, it can be as brief as a few months or extend for a decade. 

Most women enter perimenopause in their 40s, but it's not unheard of for it to start in the late 30s. The phase culminates in menopause, defined as the point when a woman hasn't had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months.

That being said, the real “fun” begins when you officially enter menopause - the second stage in this journey.

Second Stage of Menopause: Menopause

Menopause itself marks the end of menstruation and fertility. It’s not determined by symptoms or age, but by a specific milestone: the absence of menstrual periods for 12 consecutive months. 

It’s a natural biological process, not a disease, and it’s entirely unavoidable. What you can control is the way in which you prepare for this period, though. 

It's worth noting that while it might sound straightforward, menopause can sometimes be hard to identify in real time due to its silent progression. Typically, women reach this stage between their late 40s and early 60s, with the average age hovering around 51. 

While no longer having a period is a pleasant change, that’s where the good news ends for most women. 

Symptoms and Changes

During this menopause stage, you can expect many of the same symptoms you experienced during perimenopause. However, there may also be some new unwelcome additions. Here’s what you should prepare for…

• Hot Flashes and Night Sweats: These can continue or even intensify during menopause. They can be more frequent or more severe for some women.
• Vaginal Dryness: The decrease in estrogen can lead to vaginal dryness, making intercourse uncomfortable.
• Weight Gain: It's common for women to gain weight during menopause, primarily around the abdominal area. This “middle-age spread” is influenced by declining estrogen levels, which can affect how the body distributes fat. Alongside hormonal shifts, factors like aging, lifestyle, and genetics play a role. Again, we’ll explain how to lose menopause belly fat in just a few moments.
• Mood Fluctuations: Feelings of sadness, irritability, or anxiety can persist or begin during this stage. This can be attributed to disrupted sleep from night sweats or other symptoms.
• Bone Density Loss: Post-menopausal women are at a higher risk of osteoporosis due to the rapid decline in estrogen. This could result in the dreaded menopause joint aches.
• Skin, Hair, and Other Tissue Changes: Unfortunately, rapid aging after menopause is very common. Many women notice their skin becomes dryer or less elastic. Some might experience hair thinning or hair loss. 

How Long Does Menopause Last?

The term “menopause” refers specifically to that 12-month window without menstruation. However, when people discuss the duration of menopause, they're often referencing the symptoms that can linger long after the fact.

The intensity and duration of these symptoms vary widely. Some women might find that their symptoms fade after a few years, while for others, they can persist for a decade or more. 

Having a toolkit, from lifestyle changes to supplements like Provitalize, can significantly ease this journey. More on what makes Provitalize the best menopause supplement later. Let’s get to the good part of this story: the resolution. 

Third Stage of Menopause: Postmenopause

The third and final menopause stage is postmenopause. This period refers to the stage in a woman's life that follows her last menstrual period, marking the end of her reproductive years. 

Once a woman has gone 12 months without a menstrual period, she has officially reached menopause, and the time that follows is the postmenopausal phase. 

This stage is typically the longest, lasting for the remainder of a woman's life. You can learn more about what signals the end of menopause in our blog. But, what can you expect at this stage?

Physical and Emotional Changes Post-Menopause

• Continuation of Menopausal Symptoms: Although many of the symptoms associated with menopause will decrease or cease entirely during the postmenopausal stage, some women might still experience hot flashes or night sweats. However, they are generally less intense than before.
• Bone Health: Postmenopausal women face an increased risk of osteoporosis. The rapid decline in estrogen that occurs during menopause can lead to a decrease in bone density, making bones more fragile and prone to fractures.
• Cardiovascular Health: There's a heightened risk of cardiovascular diseases due to the lowering of estrogen levels. Estrogen has a protective effect on the heart, and its decline can lead to increased cholesterol levels, higher blood pressure, and other risk factors for heart disease.
• Weight Maintenance: Many postmenopausal women find that maintaining their weight becomes more challenging due to a combination of factors including hormonal changes, age, and decreased muscle mass which can slow down metabolism. It's crucial to remain active and eat a balanced diet.
• Vaginal and Urinary Tract Health: The lack of estrogen can make the vaginal tissues more dry and thin, leading to discomfort during sexual activity. There's also an increased risk of urinary tract infections.
• Emotional Wellbeing: The postmenopausal phase can bring a mixture of emotions. While some women feel relief from not having monthly periods and the associated symptoms, others might experience feelings of loss or sadness. It's also a time when many women undergo other significant life changes, such as retirement or facing an "empty nest" which can impact emotional health.
• Cognitive Changes: Some postmenopausal women report memory challenges or difficulty concentrating. Ongoing research is examining the potential link between estrogen decline and cognitive health.

At What Stage of Menopause Are Symptoms Worst?

You’ll notice that across the different menopause stages you can expect the same symptoms. That being said, at what stage of menopause are symptoms worst?

The intensity and prevalence of menopausal symptoms can vary greatly among women, but generally, the perimenopause stage witnesses the most pronounced symptoms. 

This phase, leading up to menopause, involves significant hormonal fluctuations that can give rise to symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and irregular menstrual cycles. As estrogen and progesterone levels seesaw, many women experience heightened and more frequent discomfort. 

By the time a woman reaches menopause and transitions into the postmenopause phase, these symptoms usually decrease in severity, and for many, they diminish altogether. If nothing else, you’ve at least gotten used to them by this point and they become your “new normal”.

However, it's essential to note that each woman's experience is unique, and some might continue to face certain symptoms even in postmenopause. 

And, let’s be clear: you don’t have to just come to terms with this as your outcome and live in discomfort. In just a moment, we’ll offer tips on addressing these troublesome symptoms across all menopause stages. 

First, how do you know what stage of menopause you’re in right now?

How Do You Know What Stage of Menopause You’re in?

Understanding where you are in this transition can offer a sense of control and preparedness. So, how do you discern which stage you're in?

Tracking Menstrual Cycles

One of the most tangible signs of entering perimenopause is a change in menstrual patterns. By keeping a menstrual diary, noting the duration, flow, and any accompanying symptoms, you can observe patterns or irregularities.

Some women might experience heavier periods, while others may skip months. Noticing these changes helps in determining the onset of perimenopause.

Importance of Hormonal Testing

Even before symptoms become prominent, a blood test can provide insights into estrogen and other hormone levels, offering a clearer picture of where you stand.

Periodic hormonal testing, especially when there are significant symptom changes, can be valuable. For instance, when levels of estradiol, a form of estrogen, decline, and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) increases, it's a clear sign menopause is near.

Listening to Your Body and Recognizing Signs

While hot flashes and night sweats are classic symptoms, there are subtler signs, such as mood swings, sleep disturbances, and cognitive changes. Being attuned to these shifts can provide clues about the stage you're in.

Regular check-ins with your healthcare provider, especially a gynecologist, can be instrumental. They can provide insights based on physical examinations, your symptom descriptions, and medical tests.

 

As you embark on or prepare for this transformative period, you probably feel a sense of hopelessness. But as we’ve mentioned a few times, there are ways to combat the frustrating symptoms of menopause. That’s where Provitalize probiotics comes in.

Provitalize Can Help No Matter Which of the Three Stages of Menopause You’re In!

It’s natural to feel apprehensive as your body navigates the multifaceted journey of menopause. However, finding a trusty companion that supports you during this transition can be empowering. 

Enter Provitalize, your ally in embracing each stage of menopause with confidence and ease. More than 2 million women have found relief through Provitalize - here’s how:

How Provitalize Supports Hormonal Balance

The potency of our supplement lies in the carefully selected Provitalize ingredients, which specifically target the core issues women face during their menopausal transition. Its formula features a studied blend aiming to harmonize the body's shifting hormone levels. 

It contains the best probiotics for belly fat - like L.Gasseri, B.Breve, and B.Lactis. These aren’t just the best probiotics for menopause belly, but supporting your gut health can lead to balance throughout your body as a whole.

These probiotics are paired with carefully selected herbs for menopause weight gain, including turmeric root extract, moringa leaf extract, curry leaf extract, and more. Again - these may have profound effects on your weight management goals, but they also support a healthier, happier menopause lifestyle.

The formulation is brought to life in FDA-approved facilities and you can rest assured it’s GMO-free, hormone-free, sugar-free, stimulant-free, and derived solely from 100% natural ingredients. That means no worrying about Provitalize side effects or complications.

In our thorough Provitalize review, you can see how our solution stacks up to the competition - like Meno, Happy Mammoth, Golo, and more. But for now, let’s see how Provitalize aids you in each of the menopause stages and symptoms.

A Breakdown of Benefits in Each of the Menopause Stages and Symptoms

• Perimenopause: This preliminary phase can catch many off-guard. With the onset of irregular menstrual cycles, mood disturbances, and the first hints of hot flashes, it's a stage where the body signals impending change. Provitalize's blend is meticulously crafted to address these symptoms head-on, stabilizing mood fluctuations, providing energy boosts, and preparing the body for the stages ahead.
• Menopause: Often deemed the most challenging phase, menopause sees a woman's menstrual cycle cease entirely, often bringing along more pronounced symptoms like intense hot flashes, night sweats, and weight gain. Provitalize rises to the challenge by offering a potent solution. Its formula works to curb the severity of hot flashes, aids in weight management by boosting metabolism, and ensures a smoother transition by reducing sleep disturbances.
• Postmenopause: While the storm of menopause might have passed, postmenopause isn't without its challenges. Bone health becomes a priority, and maintaining a healthy weight can become increasingly challenging. Provitalize continues its support, promoting optimal bone health, aiding digestion, and ensuring a steady metabolic rate, making the postmenopausal phase more manageable.

 

Whether you’re looking for the best supplement for menopause weight gain or the best supplements for menopause brain fog, you can count on Provitalize to help you regain a sense of control and balance in your life. 

That being said, harnessing the power of the best supplements for menopause is just one piece of the puzzle. Here are some more tips on navigating the different stages of menopause…

More Tips on Navigating the Different Menopause Stages and Symptoms

Beyond adding Provitalize to your regimen, here are some additional tips on navigating the 3 stages of menopause:

• Building a Support System: Surround yourself with understanding friends, family, and consult medical professionals. Shared experiences and expert advice can provide comfort.
• Dietary and Lifestyle Changes: Embrace a nutrient-rich diet and regular exercise. Limiting caffeine and spicy foods can also ease symptoms. Our menopause diet plan for weight gain is a great resource.
• The Power of Mindfulness and Mental Well-being: Engage in meditation or deep breathing exercises. This can anchor emotions, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being during menopause.

Regardless of which of the menopause stages you find yourself in, know that you hold more power to live a comfortable, content life than you may have realized.

With our supplement and a few simple lifestyle changes, the three stages of menopause don’t need to hold you back from your full potential!

Wrapping Up Our Guide to the 3 Stages of Menopause

Navigating the intricate menopause stages from the onset of perimenopause to the transition into postmenopause, can be a challenging journey. 

But, understanding the symptoms and recognizing which stage you're in can provide clarity and empower you to take proactive measures. With supportive networks, lifestyle shifts, and mindful practices, you can experience a smoother transition through each stage.

Our blog has a wealth of resources to aid you in this journey like how long does menopause weight gain last, can probiotics cause weight gain, do probiotics help with menopausal weight gain, hormone replacement therapy pros and cons, best supplements for menopause joint aches, and more. 

If you're looking for an added boost to maintain hormonal balance and mitigate common menopausal symptoms, consider incorporating Provitalize into your routine. Your path through menopause is about to get much more comfortable and rewarding!