How Do I Know If I'm in Menopause?

In this blog, we'll explore the key indicators that can help you determine if you're experiencing menopause.

A Simple Guide

Since menopause isn't an illness or a disease, but rather a transitional phase in a woman's life, it's not something you can test for. In fact, you can't medically know for sure that you are in menopause until it's over.

It's only once you haven't had your period for 365 days that menopause is confirmed and you are deemed to be postmenopausal.

Before this point, there's no certainty. (Despite what you might hear, there's no blood test that can accurately determine what stage of menopause you are in - if any stage at all.)

So with that in mind, how will I know if I'm in the menopause transition?

1. Age: The average age for menopause is around 51, but it can occur anywhere between the late 40s and early 50s. If you're in this age range and begin noticing certain changes, menopause could be the reason.
2. Irregular Menstrual Cycles: One of the primary indicators of menopause is changes in your menstrual cycle. You may notice variations in the length of your cycle, the amount of flow, or missed periods altogether. These irregularities can occur for several months before menstruation stops entirely.
3. Hot Flushes and Night Sweats: Hot flushes are sudden waves of intense heat that spread across your body, often accompanied by sweating and a rapid heartbeat. Night sweats are similar but occur during sleep. If you experience these episodes regularly, menopause might be underway.
4. Vaginal Dryness: A drop in estrogen levels during menopause can lead to vaginal dryness. This may cause discomfort during sexual intercourse and may also increase the risk of vaginal infections.
5. Mood Swings and Emotional Changes: Fluctuating hormone levels can influence your emotions, leading to mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or feelings of sadness. These emotional changes can be indicators of menopause.
6. Changes in Sleep Patterns: You might find it more challenging to fall asleep or stay asleep during menopause. Sleep disturbances can be related to hormone fluctuations, night sweats, or other menopausal symptoms.
7. Changes in Libido: A decline in estrogen and testosterone levels can lead to a decrease in sex drive for some women. However, it's important to note that this isn't true for everyone, as some women may experience an increase in libido during menopause.
8. Physical Symptoms: Menopause can also present with physical changes like weight gain, joint pain, and hair thinning. While these symptoms may not solely indicate menopause, they can be part of the overall picture.

Conclusion:

Recognizing the signs and symptoms can help you understand and manage this transformative time in your life. If you're experiencing some of the mentioned indicators and suspect you might be in menopause, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to confirm the diagnosis and discuss appropriate management strategies.

Menopause, again, isn't a disease. It's a normal life stage that half the world's population goes through.

My question for you is: What do you want to achieve during this phase?

It may very from ease menopause-specific symptoms, or it may simply be to feel better (or less "crappy") or attain whatever goals you have in mind.

Remember, menopause is a unique journey for each woman, so embrace it with self-compassion and seek support from friends, family, or a menopause coach to navigate this exciting new chapter with confidence and grace.