Perimenopause

This is the phase leading up to menopause. It can begin several years before your periods stop, typically in a woman’s 40s, though for some it can start earlier. During this stage, the ovaries gradually produce less oestrogen, and hormone levels fluctuate unpredictably. These changes can cause irregular periods, hot flushes, night sweats, mood shifts, sleep problems, and changes in libido or weight. Perimenopause is often when symptoms feel most noticeable, as the body adjusts to declining hormone levels. It’s a time of transition, not loss, and with the right awareness and support, you can manage the changes and feel in control of your health and wellbeing.

Menopause

Medically speaking, menopause is defined as the point in time when you haven’t had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months, marking the end of your reproductive years. Because it’s identified after this 12-month period, it’s true to say that menopause itself technically lasts just one day, the day that marks exactly one year since your final period. The symptoms and changes, however, don’t start or end on that day; they’re part of the wider transition your body goes through before and after menopause. Understanding this helps to clarify that menopause is not a sudden event, but a milestone within a longer hormonal journey.

Postmenopause

Postmenopause is the stage that follows menopause, effectively the day after that one-year mark and lasting for the rest of your life. By this time, oestrogen levels remain consistently low, and many women notice their symptoms ease or settle. However, some may continue to experience hot flushes, vaginal dryness, or sleep issues for several years. The lower hormone levels can also increase the risk of certain long-term health conditions, such as osteoporosis or heart disease, making this a crucial time to focus on nutrition, movement, and self-care. Postmenopause can also bring a renewed sense of clarity, confidence, and balance as you step into this next empowering chapter.