Understanding Menopause Stages and Terms

Although the word “menopause” often serves as shorthand for the whole process, the menopausal transition actually happens in stages — and menopause is only one of them. Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause when a woman has symptoms (like hot flashes and irregular periods) linked to hormone changes. May begin as early as your mid 30s or as late as your mid 50s Average length is 4 years but can last 8 years or more You can still get pregnant during perimenopause, even if you’re not having regular periods Menopause technically only lasts a single day — the one marking 12 consecutive months without a period. Usually happens at age 51 or 52 in the U.S. Is a moment in time, not a stage Marks the end of your reproductive years Postmenopause starts the day after you’ve gone 12 months without a period (menopause) and lasts the rest of your life. Perimenopause symptoms may ease up or go away completely Postmenopausal women are at greater risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease Any bleeding after menopause should be checked by a clinician Early menopause is when menopause (12 months without a period) happens before age 45. Affects 1 in 20 women Can happen due to certain h...