What is perimenopause?

Almost everyone mixes up perimenopause and menopause – but they are two different experiences. Perimenopause can feel like reverse puberty – some days it’s like stepping straight into a storm.

Menopause, on the other hand, is part of aging and the other challenges we face in midlife. Over time, it becomes the calm after the storm. The sun rises again in the second half of life.

Feel hopeful – the best may still be ahead of you!

The Different Stages of Menopause

Perimenopause

Perimenopause is the long transitional phase leading up to menopause, when hormonal changes begin and various symptoms may appear. It’s often referred to as the “menopausal transition.”

Menopause

Medically speaking, menopause is defined as the day when twelve consecutive months have passed without a spontaneous menstrual period.

Menopause is an umbrella term referring to the transitional period both before and after menopause.

Postmenopause

The time after menopause, and for the rest of a woman’s life, has traditionally been called postmenopause. However, many doctors now suggest that the term “postmenopause” should be phased out. Since many women continue to experience symptoms for years after menopause, they argue that a woman should simply be considered to be in menopause for the rest of her life.

Perimenopause

What surprises many is just how young one can be when symptoms first start to appear. Perimenopause typically begins in your 40s, but if you’re 37 and noticing changes, that can be completely normal too. Still, it’s always important to consult a doctor to rule out other possible causes.

Symptoms during perimenopause are very common — most women experience them. But the good news is, they’re temporary and can often be relieved or even reversed once you know what works for you.

With MeWe&You, you get support to understand what works best for you.

Menopause

The average age of menopause is 51. In some cases, however, it can occur as early as your 30s or even earlier — this is known as early menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency (POI).

A hysterectomy or surgical removal of the ovaries also leads to immediate menopause, regardless of age.

Menopause is a natural part of life. It’s a transition that affects women, as well as some trans and non-binary individuals — half the world’s population goes through it.

Menopause is more than just hot flashes.

84%

experience sleep disturbances

73%

struggle with brain fog

69%

report anxiety and depression

Source: Fawcett Society 2022

Postmenopause

It’s important to know that the transition into midlife doesn’t have to be a depressing time. In fact, it can be a powerful opportunity for personal growth and taking back control of your life. We promise!

Some women feel relieved to be free from periods, no longer worried about unplanned pregnancies, and look forward to a new chapter. Most symptoms are now gone — or will be soon. And yes, your sex life can get much better too!

There are countless stories of women who’ve been forced to leave their jobs at the peak of their careers — losing partners, friends, and self-confidence at a time in life when they should have been thriving.

We need to do more to support and uplift.

Women deserve better!