Menopause
What is perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the period leading to menopause when your body begins to go through ‘the change.’
When does perimenopause happen?
Perimenopause can happen in your 40s, though it can begin as early as the mid-30s or as late as the mid-50s. Perimenopause can last a few months to several years.
What to expect during perimenopause?
During perimenopause you might experience a range of symptoms, including:
- Decreased fertility: It might become harder to get pregnant.
- Hot flashes and night sweats: Feeling hot suddenly, often accompanied by sweating and waking up sweating during the night. You might feel it during menopause too
- Irregular periods: Your periods might not come on time, or they may be lighter or heavier
- Lower sex drive: this is common
- Mood swings: Feeling more emotional, sad or irritated
- Vaginal dryness: You may experience dryness or discomfort during sex
What is menopause?
Menopause is sometimes called ‘the change’ and is a natural part of life for women. It happens when your periods stop coming. The reason it’s called the change is because there are usually other symptoms before your periods stop. All of this is a normal part of healthy ageing.
When does menopause happen?
Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. Menopause is confirmed when you haven’t had a period for 12 months.
Why does menopause happen?
You are born with a set number of eggs in your body to help you have babies. Menopause happens when your body runs out of these eggs. This means your periods will stop, and you won’t be able to get pregnant anymore.
Some women are happy to no longer have their period, worry about birth control, or experience period pain. It can be a new outlook on life.
What to expect during menopause?
You may experience a range of symptoms, including:
- Hot flashes: Feeling hot suddenly, often accompanied by sweating.
- Mood swings: Feeling more emotional, sad or irritated.
- Night sweats: Waking up sweating during the night.
- Thinning hair and dry skin: Noticing changes in your hair or skin.
- Trouble with sleeping: Difficulty falling or staying asleep.
- Weight gain: Gaining weight more easily than before.
- Vaginal dryness: Discomfort and dryness in the vaginal area, pain during sexual intercourse
Taking care of yourself
Everyone experiences perimenopause and menopause differently. For some there may be no symptoms at all and for most, symptoms are mild or bearable and last some months or a year or so. A small number of women experience severe symptoms.
Understanding what is happening in your body can help you take care of yourself. If you have any questions or worries, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor, nurse or Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander health worker.
