Definition and Onset

There is no single time when a person will begin to experience symptoms associated with menopause. Most people experience a combination of changes that begin somewhere in their mid forties. Everyone should be very aware that no two people are alike in their timing, symptoms and strategies for managing these changes. However, it is important to know a general sense of the timeline to better equip yourself with knowledge to make better decisions on treatment and finding available resources. Menopause is defined as 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. The time leading up to this is often referred to as menopause.

The onset of menopause typically begins around age 51 on average, though it can vary widely among individuals. The HSE report that the transition to menopause usually starts in a person’s mid-40s

Stages of Menopause

Perimenopause

This phase usually begins in the mid-40s.  It is during this time when hormone levels begin to fluctuate, causing irregular periods, increased PMS symptoms and initial menopausal symptoms.

Menopause

This stage is reached when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period.

Postmenopause

The time after menopause in which a person can still experience menopause symptoms.

Testing for Menopause

Everyone will experience a different length of their journey across these stages. The length can vary as much as 3-10 years. For any changes in menstrual cycles or potential menopause symptoms, it is important to contact your healthcare provider.

As the body enters perimenopause the ovaries gradually produce less and less oestrogen. The key word here is gradual; this can happen as a transition into menopause or due to medical interactions such as surgeries or medically-induced menopause. Most people report during this time that their monthly periods become irregular and initial symptoms become noticeable such as hot flashes and sudden changes in mood.

There are blood tests that are conducted to check hormone levels which can indicate that a person has reached or is very near menopause. However, a doctor should consult on any hormone test results as they can be inaccurate due to fluctuations as a person is transitioning through the stages of menopause.
Generally, a doctor will discuss the last year’s menstrual cycle and ask questions about menopause symptoms, lifestyle, and family history to make a determination about where in the menopause transition a person is.

Empowerment

In Ireland, Menopause is now part of the overall discussion around fertility, women’s health, and well-being. Previously, people didn’t talk about menopause openly or hesitated to contact a healthcare provider. People called this ‘natural’ and many people sat in silence or were not taken seriously when talking to their doctor. While the transition to menopause is natural, any impact on a person’s quality should be treated with the appropriate actions.
Knowing what the stages of menopause are and the treatments that are available build a foundation of support to help make decisions that are best for them and supported by a healthcare professional.

There is also an essential need for understanding that menopause is directly related to other societal issues. Ageism, misogyny, and access to reproductive healthcare are all connected to menopause.

Menopause and its symptoms are part of healthcare just as any other aspect of a person’s fertility. Many people will experience this transition at a key point in their career or they might have small children at home and having the information and ability to discuss it with friends, family, and doctors, can provide a sense of empowerment for what lies ahead.