Understanding the Stages of Menopause: A Simple Breakdown

Menopause isn’t a single moment in time—it’s a process. And like any transition, it can feel confusing when you're not sure what stage you’re in or what to expect. In this post, I’ll break down the key stages: perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause, along with the broader term that ties them together: the climacteric.

Perimenopause: When Things Start to Shift

Perimenopause is the stage that begins before menopause itself. It can start several years before your periods stop, and during this time, your hormone levels (particularly oestrogen and progesterone) begin to fluctuate.

You might notice:

• Irregular periods

• Changes in flow

• Mood shifts

• Sleep disturbances

• Hot flushes or night sweats

  
  

This stage often starts in your 40s but can begin earlier for some. It’s the body’s gradual transition, and it can last anywhere from 2 to 8 years.

Menopause: A Clear Milestone

Menopause is defined as the point when you haven’t had a period for 12 consecutive months. It marks the end of your reproductive years and typically happens around age 50–51.

It’s a retrospective diagnosis—you don’t know you’ve reached it until those 12 months have passed. The hormonal changes that lead up to it are already well underway during perimenopause.

Postmenopause: Life After Menopause

Postmenopause begins the day after those 12 months without a period. Oestrogen levels remain low, and while some symptoms may ease, others (like vaginal dryness or changes in bone density) can continue.

For some, symptoms fade gradually. For others, support is needed to manage ongoing changes. This phase is long-term and varies from person to person.

The Climacteric: The Bigger Picture

The term climacteric refers to the full transition—from perimenopause through menopause and into postmenopause. It’s a broader term that acknowledges this is not a single event, but a complex and individual process.

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You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone

Hormonal changes can be unsettling—physically and emotionally. If you're unsure which stage you’re in or you're struggling with symptoms, support is available.

🤍 I offer 1:1 nutrition consultations to help you understand what’s happening in your body and work towards feeling more like yourself again. If you’d like to talk, book a consultation here or email me at paula@paulamegido.com