What is Peri/menopause?
The years leading up to menopause are a period of recalibration and are marked by significant physical, psychological and cognitive changes.
Understanding these changes and having a lens of self-care and compassion heading into perimenopause can positively impact an individual’s experience.
Menopause is a normal and natural transition stage of life that every individual with ovaries* goes through. Despite this, most individuals report being unaware of the changes that occur.
Perimenopause
The years leading up to menopause are a time of recalibration. They bring significant physical, psychological, and cognitive changes that can feel unsettling, confusing, or even liberating. Understanding what’s happening and approaching it with self-care and compassion can make a world of difference.
Menopause is a normal and natural life stage that every person with ovaries* will experience. Despite this, most people report being completely unaware of the changes that come with it.
What is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the transition between our reproductive years, where cycles are fairly regular, and our post-menopausal years, where periods have stopped completely.
It can begin up to 10 years before the final period, which means symptoms may start in our 30s. The length and intensity of perimenopause are different for everyone. Symptoms can last anywhere between 5 and 15 years, and for some, they may continue well into post-menopause.
Menopause
Menopause is the official end of the reproductive years and is diagnosed only after 12 consecutive months without a period. For most, this happens between 45 and 55. In Australia, the average age is around 51 to 52.
Menopause may happen naturally, after surgery such as removal of the ovaries, or as a result of medical treatments like chemotherapy or radiation. When menopause occurs before 40, it’s known as Primary Ovarian Insufficiency.
Post Menopause
Post-menopause is a term often used to refer to the years after 'the day of' menopause. However, calling it 'post-menopause' is not entirely necessary. Because once you've reached menopause, you're menopausal for the rest of your life!
With the average age of menopause and taking into account the average woman's lifespan, that means we spend around 40% in menopause. This stage can bring both challenges and new freedoms.
Symptoms
The experience looks very different from person to person. Some breeze through with few symptoms, while others face life-changing challenges.
Earlier studies suggested only 20% of women experienced severe symptoms. However, the Menodoctor Survey Australia (2024) found that 63% of over 5000 women reported symptoms as severe or very severe.
Hormonal shifts impact the whole body and mind. They can influence oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and neurotransmitters that regulate mood and wellbeing. Symptoms can be grouped into physical, psychological, and cognitive changes.
From the hormonal shifts to the physical symptoms, the identity crises to the emotional wobbles, and everything in between, no facet of an individual’s life goes untouched when menopause knocks on the door.
Here’s a summary of the most common concerns.
Cognitive
Forgetfulness
Memory Lapses
‘Brain fog’
Lack of concentration
Word-finding difficulties
Decreased ability to deal with stress
Physical
Menstrual cycle changes (length, flow, and duration)
Hot flushes and or night sweats
Joint and body pain
Vaginal or vulval dryness
Fatigue and sleep disturbances
Muscle tension
Low libido
Hair thinning or loss
Headaches or migraines
Muscle tension Decreased libido Hair loss
Headaches / Migraines
Psychological
Mood swings and emotional ups and downs
Anxiety or depression
Loss of motivation and confidence
Identity confusion
Social withdrawal
Shifting values and priorities
Body image concerns
The Bright Side
From a social/cultural perspective, many of the difficulties of this transition are rooted in the social position of individuals going through menopause, rather than the transition itself and offer an opportunity to bring into focus unsustainable or unrealistic expectations (both from ourselves and others).
Research and anecdotal evidence capture themes of personal and sexual identity, body image, autonomy, ideology, relationship and family dynamics and an opportunity to refocus on our own goals and well-being.
After menopause, many individuals report a deeper sense of purpose, freedom from unwanted pregnancy or sexual advances, stronger boundaries, being more comfortable in their own skin, rediscovering their own identity, and welcome relief from some responsobilities.
When to Seek Support
Gaining insights into menopause and crafting a plan to effectively address its symptoms can enhance both your well-being and lifestyle. An attitude of self- care, focusing on managing stress and prioritising sleep and rest provides a good foundation.If your symptoms significantly impact your ability to enjoy work, life and play, you may also need professional support.
Fortunately, there are a growing number of menopause-informed GPs, psychologists and allied health professionals who are aware of the many ways that perimenopause presents, the range of ages it occurs, and how to address symptoms holistically.
All About Her Centre for Menopause is a collective of psychologists, social workers, psychotherapists and counsellors who are dedicated to supporting Australian women whose lives are impacted by menopause offering menopause-informed therapy services.
With a commitment to ensuring women have access to menopause-informed therapists, All About Her also offers education and training for our colleagues in the therapy professions.
We exist to ensure that perimenopausal and menopausal women feel understood, seen and supported at every step along the way.
*All About Her - The Centre for Menopause acknowledges that all people born with ovaries and who live long enough will experience the menopause transition. This includes cisgender women, transgender men, non-binary individuals, and any other individual with ovaries. We use the terms
individuals/people to be inclusive of the many who do not identify as women, but who will nonetheless experience this significant life stage.
Disclaimer: The information presented is for general understanding only and should not substitute professional medical advice. If you are concerned about your health, talk to your doctor or healthcare team for personalised guidance.
© All About Her Centre 2024