What Signals the End of Menopause?
Menopause is a natural part of a woman’s life that marks the end of her ability to reproduce naturally. Generally, menopause is diagnosed after 12 months without a period, but while the process can vary between women, knowing the signs that signal the end of menopause and the different stages can give you clarity, guidance and peace of mind.
Menopause doesn’t occur suddenly; it can unfold in stages:
- Perimenopause – This is the phase leading up to full menopause. Hormones fluctuate during this stage and cause irregular periods and symptoms that can include hot flushes, night sweats and mood swings.
- Menopause – As mentioned above, this is the point at which you haven’t had a period for 12 months. It means that your ovaries no longer function.
- Postmenopause – This is the phase after menopause. Your hormones should stabilise and symptoms you’ve experienced during the previous stages may disappear, although some might persist.
What are the Last Stages of Menopause?
The last stages of menopause occur during late perimenopause and the transition into menopause itself, and can have different signs and symptoms for you to look out for.
- Irregular periods – Your menstrual cycle can become irregular and erratic, with longer gaps between each period.
- Flow change – Your periods can be unusually heavy or light as your ovarian function declines.
- Persistent symptoms – You may experience hot flushes, night sweats and mood changes, and these can intensify depending on your hormonal fluctuations.
- Cessation of periods – Eventually your periods will stop entirely, signifying menopause.
Menopause is considered complete when a year has passed with no menstrual cycle, transitioning into postmenopause.
Recognising the End of Menopause
The end of menopause is not a clear-cut event; it is more about the gradual resolution of the symptoms you may have experienced and there are some key indicators to help you recognise this.
- Your hormones should stabilise – After menopause, oestrogen and progesterone levels dip significantly due to the depletion of eggs in the ovaries. This reduces the intensity of the symptoms such as hot flushes over time.
- No more periods – Your menstrual cycle will finish permanently.
- Symptom reduction – You may find that some menopausal symptoms persist, but many of them will diminish in severity.
How Do You Know Which Stage of Menopause You’re In?
The best way to determine which stage of menopause you’re in will involve tracking your menstrual cycle, symptoms and hormone levels. Your healthcare professional can be instrumental in this.
- Perimenopause – If your periods are irregular and you have some menopause related symptoms, you’re very likely to be in perimenopause. A simple blood test can rule out other health conditions.
- Menopause – As previously stated, if you haven’t had a period for 12 months, you’vealmost certainly reached menopause.
- Postmenopause – Past the 12-month milestone, your symptoms might linger, but your body is adapting the hormonal changes which should start to settle in postmenopause.
Managing Your Health After Menopause
Maintaining good health postmenopause needs attention in order to navigate the changes in your body, and proactive measures to support your overall wellbeing. Things you may need to concentrate your efforts on include:
- Bone Health – Lower oestrogen levels can increase the risk of osteoporosis. Taking calcium and vitamin D supplements, along with weight bearing exercise can help maintain bone density.
- Heart Health – Oestrogen protects cardiovascular health, so postmenopausal women have an increased risk of heart disease. Healthy diet, regular exercise and check-upswith your healthcare provider are essential.
- Weight Management – As your metabolism can slow with menopause, this can lead to weight gain. A healthy balanced healthy diet and physical activity will help you maintain a healthy weight.
- Mental Health – A shift in hormone levels can affect your moods and cognitive function. Enhance your mental well-being with regular exercise, social interaction and mindfulness practices.
- Regular Screenings – Regular mammograms, cervical smears, and bone density tests can catch any health issues you may have early.
At What Stage of Menopause Are Symptoms Worst?
Symptoms can differ from woman to woman, but they can often peak during late perimenopause as that is when hormone levels can fluctuate the most dramatically. The most common symptoms include:
- Brain fog – This is a very common symptom of the perimenopause and menopause, where women can describe their heads as feeling like cotton wool. You might notice that you’re a little forgetful, can’t remember simple things and struggle to retain information. This can make it hard to function at in all aspects of your day-to-day life.
- Joint aches and pains – You may find that your joints ache and feel stiff during the stages of menopause, and that you feel fatigued. Some women are mis-diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, when in reality it’s a lack of oestrogen that causes inflammation, whilst a drop in testosterone can make it difficult to maintain muscle strength.
- Reduced libido – Over a third of women in perimenopause or menopause complain ofhaving sexual difficulties. These can range from lack of interest in sex to trouble having an orgasm. This is because reduced levels of oestrogen, impact a person’s desire to have sex and make sexual arousal more difficult.
- Hot Flushes and Night Sweats – A sudden wave of heat can disrupt your sleep and daily activities. An ‘average’ hot flush can last around 3 to 4 minutes, but they could last as little as 30 seconds, or as much as an hour. A night sweat is simply a hot flush which happens when you are asleep.
- Mood Swings – Hormonal changes during menopause can impact your mental health as well as your physical health. You may experience feelings of anxiety, stress,depression, anger, and irritability.
- Disrupted Sleep Patterns – Menopause can increase your risk of anxiety which can impact your sleep at night. Not sleeping well can impact your mood so it can become a vicious cycle. Some people going through the menopause experience insomniawhich makes it difficult to sleep in the first place.
- Vaginal Dryness – As your ovaries gradually stop making the hormone oestrogen, the walls of your vagina become thinner, drier, and less flexible and they’re also more easily irritated. Your vagina also produces fewer secretions, so is less well lubricated.
How Do You Know if Perimenopause Is Ending?
Signs that perimenopause is coming to its end can include:
- Increased time between periods – Months can pass between menstrual cycles with no regularity or pattern.
- Persisting Symptoms – Hot flushes and mood swings may well intensify before they taper off.
- Final period – 12 months of no menstrual bleeding indicates the end of perimenopause, meaning that you’re entering menopause. Noting down your symptoms in a diary can help your healthcare provider determine the end of perimenopause.
What are Final Periods Before Menopause Like?
Before you enter menopause, your last few periods can be unpredictable. Many women experience long gaps between periods, skipping cycles completely. Bleeding patterns can change, either becoming heavier or lighter, longer or shorter, and in some cases clotting can occur.
Monitor these changes and consult your healthcare professional to ensure there are no other underlying conditions that may have contributed to these irregularities.
Life Beyond Menopause
Postmenopause can be a new chapter! It can be seen as freedom from menstrual cycles and the opportunity to focus on your long-term health and wellness. So that you can enjoy this stage in life, remember to stay active and prioritise self-care. If you find that you need extra support, talk to your healthcare provider, especially if you are experiencing lingering symptoms, or are finding it difficult to adjust.
Recognising the stages and symptoms of menopause and taking proactive steps for health and well-being can help you navigate this phase with confidence.