Understanding Menopause: Navigating the Different Phases | Deon Hall-Garriques

More than 40% of women enter the menopausal transition with little or no information or education about menopause, which means they don't know what to expect when it starts.

It's not taught in schools, and we don't talk about it in the workplace enough, however, that is changing and is becoming more mainstream as more celebrities are talking about it and raising awareness about its importance and implications (e.g., #oprahwinfrey, #oprahmagazine, #Halleberry).

The 3 Phases of Menopause:

🟠 Perimenopause

Perimenopause usually starts around the age of 35 to 40 and is the period where the body starts gearing up for the end of the reproductive years.

During this time, there is a multitude of hormonal changes that can lead to a variety of symptoms e.g., weight gain, hot flashes, brain fog, irregular sleep, etc your menstrual cycle becomes irregular.

Perimenopause can last 4-10+ years.

🟠 Menopause

The average age of menopause in the United States is 51.

This phase occurs when a woman has not had her period for 12 consecutive months, which signifies permanent infertility or the end of the reproductive years.

On average, Black and Latina women enter menopause two years earlier than white and Asian women.

🟠 Postmenopause

This occurs after a year without your period, you are officially in post-menopause until you die.

While for most women, menopause symptoms generally decline, they encounter other health challenges during this phase such as cardiovascular disease, bone loss, and a variety of sexual dysfunctions including vaginal dryness and low libido.

Therefore, you must remain vigilant about your health at any stage of your life, but even more so as you get older.

I would love to hear from you about where you are in your menopausal journey and how your experience has been.

In Good Health,

Deon

DISCLAIMER: This information is not intended to provide medical advice. The purpose is to provide education and a broader understanding to my readers. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider before making any dietary or lifestyle changes. I do not recommend or prescribe, or recommend changing dosage or discontinuing, any prescription medications or pharmaceutical drugs.