The word ‘menopause’ comes from ‘meno’, meaning your menstrual cycle, and ‘pause’, meaning to stop. However, its use as a catch-all term to encompass ‘perimenopause’ and the symptoms that come from the changes in hormone levels can cause confusion.
What is menopause?
The medical definition of menopause is when you have not had your monthly period for at least 12 months. Post-menopause follows. Symptoms of the menopause are the same as those of the perimenopause and may continue through menopause and into post-menopause.
The average age of a person going through a natural menopause is 51, but it can happen at any time. It is ultimately a single point in time when you haven’t had a period for 12 months.
What is perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the period before menopause, when the amount of oestrogen made by the ovaries begins to decline. Typically, it begins in your 40s but can start earlier and extends until after your ovaries have stopped releasing eggs and you have your final period.
Around 75% of people will experience a range of symptoms including hot flushes, night sweats, mood changes, brain fog, sleep disturbances, joint pain and more. Symptoms can fluctuate.
Myth #1: Menopause happens suddenly
Truth: Menopause doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a date marker, a point at which you haven’t had a period for 12 months. If you’re one of the approximately 25% of people who don’t experience any symptoms, it may feel sudden. But typically, it’ll be a progression of symptoms that have built up over time.
Perimenopause symptoms can start in your 40s or even your late 30s and may change over time. If you think you’re experiencing symptoms, our Symptom Tracker can help you make a note of them over time. However, not all changes in your body and wellbeing at this time may be because of your menopause. As such, it’s important to consider your wider health and seek medical advice.
“Symptoms can start a good 10 years before your last period. If you think your hormones are changing, then they are probably changing. Remember, you know your own body best.” – Dr Jane Davis
Myth #2: You can’t get pregnant in perimenopause
Truth: It is absolutely possible to get pregnant in perimenopause. Even if you have irregular periods and haven’t had a period for months, they could still return.
The NHS recommends continuing with contraception until the age of 55, as getting pregnant naturally after this age is very rare. So, if you don’t want to conceive use contraception.
Myth #3: Menopause starts at 50
Truth: The average age of a person going through a natural menopause in the UK is 51, but it can happen at any time.
If you’re younger than 45, it is called an early menopause.
Before the age of 40, it is known as a premature menopause, or Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI).
By the age of 54, 80% of women will have stopped having periods, so bear in mind you could be in for the long run.
Myth #4: HRT is only for menopause, not perimenopause
Truth: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be used to manage symptoms, and in most cases the benefits of HRT outweigh the risks. However, there may be circumstances where you cannot take HRT or you may prefer not to take HRT – your healthcare professional can discuss any risks with you.
As the name suggests, HRT replaces the hormones which decline in your body around the time of the menopause and perimenopause. It can relieve many of the symptoms that have an impact on quality of life at this time.
Taking HRT can also reduce your risk of hormone-related health problems including osteoporosis and heart disease.
“If your periods have stopped under the age of 40, some form of hormone replacement until at least the natural age of menopause is recommended. Unless you have been told that there is a specific reason that you are unable to do so, the health benefits outweigh the risks.” – Dr Jane Davis
Myth #5: Blood tests can diagnose menopause
Truth: For healthy women aged over 45 years with menopausal symptoms a blood test is not necessary for a diagnosis – it is typically diagnosed based on your symptoms.
However, blood tests may be considered for those between 40 and 45 with menopause symptoms, or those under 40 where the healthcare professional suspects early menopause or POI.
Myth #6: Menopause is just hot flushes
Truth: There are at least 35 symptoms of the menopause affecting the whole body, including mood, memory, joints, sleep, skin and vaginal health. Remember symptoms and people’s experiences of perimenopause vary widely.
Myth #7: Once menopause is over, symptoms stop
Truth: For some people symptoms do improve after menopause. However, menopause can bring about changes to your body that you continue to experience.
Some people continue to experience disturbed sleep, others vaginal dryness.
Some people continue to take HRT long beyond their actual menopause to address some of the symptoms. This is a decision that should be taken in conjunction with your GP or medical professional to ensure that it’s a suitable treatment option for you.
Own your menopause
Your perimenopause and menopause are as unique as you are, your symptoms may creep up, or arrive all at once, you may even get to menopause without a single hot sweat or sleepless night.
Whatever your experience, finding your own path to symptom management and a good quality of life as you transition from perimenopause through menopause and into your post-menopause period is essential. And remember, if you’re struggling to manage your symptoms, always speak to a healthcare professional.
