The different stages of perimenopause and how to know when it is ending
You aren't considered to be menopausal until your periods have stopped. Then, you're officially classed as postmenopausal when your periods have stopped for one year. However, we usually say two years, just to be safe with regard to contraception.
Because menopause diagnosis is made after the fact, it's a really good idea to track your period, and a very good idea to recognise the signs that you're coming into those late stages of perimenopause.
Early perimenopause
In the early stages of perimenopause, there's a tendency towards oestrogen dominance, heavy periods, and more intense PMS. You may have been extra tired, had trouble sleeping, felt more stressed than usual, or had a little bit of extra anxiety.
As perimenopause progresses, the menstrual cycle is winding down. Ovulation is going to get less regular. Periods are going to get lighter and spottier, and at the start and end you might not need as many tampons. Periods will get irregular. You may not get them every month. As oestrogen levels are getting lower it's going to take a while for our bodies to adjust.
Late perimenopause
In late perimenopause, on top of tiredness, some other symptoms might pop up, like hot flushes, night sweats, and a lack of lubrication, which might affect the vagina and the eyes. You might have brain fog and some new mood symptoms.
Now, this can sound a bit daunting when you list all of these things together. You may only get one or two of these late perimenopausal symptoms as you're transitioning into menopause and knowing what to expect will make the process a bit smoother.
Whatever stage you're at, whether it's early or late, remember to keep looking after yourself. If you can sleep well, feed yourself well, and just take time to breathe, it's going to make all the difference as you head into menopause, as well as post-menopause.
More advice
For more information and advice, head over to Menopause coach Eileen’s blog ‘What are the signs that perimenopause is ending?' where she goes into more detail about the different signs of perimenopause ending & menopause is beginning.
You may also find these articles helpful:
Perimenopause periods: what’s normal and what’s not?
10 self-care tips for perimenopause, menopause & postmenopause
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