What are the Symptoms of Menopause?
Menopause is a profound biological and psychological transition that many women experience, typically between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average age in Australia being around 51.
Rather than a sudden event, menopause unfolds gradually over several years, beginning with perimenopause—a transitional phase marked by hormonal fluctuations and a range of symptoms. This journey culminates in post menopause, which follows the final menstrual period.
While menopause is a universal experience, each woman's journey is uniquely her own, with different symptoms and durations. Understanding this can help foster compassion and support among women as they navigate this significant life stage. There are three main stages of menopause, each offering its own set of experiences and opportunities for growth.
Ages and Stages, Signs and Symptoms
Stages of Menopause
Perimenopause (Menopause Transition):
Begins in the mid-40s for most women, but can be earlier
Can last several years, on average 4-7 years
Turbulent time due to decreasing hormones - progesterone and testosterone and erratic fluctuations of estrogen
Numerous symptoms for 75% of women, 25% no symptoms, 25% extreme symptoms
Physical symptoms include - Irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, headaches, joint and muscle pain, weight gain and changes in libido
Psychological symptoms include - Mood swings, anxiety, depression, memory problems, reduced self-esteem and difficulty concentrating
Fertility decreases but pregnancy is still possible.
Menopause:
Essentially a one-day event, when you look have had 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period
Average age is 51 in Australia, but can be as late as 60
Marks the end of reproductive years, although contraceptive use is recommended for 1-2 years.
Post menopause:
Begins 12 months after the final menstrual period
Lasts for the rest of a woman's life
Many perimenopause symptoms subside as hormones balance out and estrogen is not fluctuating, remaining low but steady.
Is there a test for Menopause?
Many women understandably expect there to be a test to establish whether they are in perimenopause or menopause. After all, we can test for cholesterol, blood pressure, thyroid issues, with clear biomarkers showing up in our bloods. However, due to the hormone fluctuations in perimenopause, it is not possible to test in this way. Read more here: Is there a test for perimenopause?
How do I know what symptoms I have?
Age and self-reported symptom tracking are the best indicators of where you are in your menopause journey. We know our bodies! There are some great tools to help with symptoms tracking such as:
The MenoScale calculator https://zoe.com/menoscale
NSW Health have developed a quick and easy symptom tracker https://www.nsw.gov.au/women-nsw/toolkits-and-resources/perimenopause-and-menopause-toolkit
Access a unique tool for self-assessing perimenopausal depression the Meno-D here: https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/uploads/Webinars/MENO-D-score-sheet.pdf developed by Professor Jayashri Kulkarni AM, a highly regarded psychiatrist and academic recognized for her significant contributions to women's mental health.