Are You In Peri or Post-menopause?

Menopause is defined by the cessation of periods for one year, with the average age of occurrence being 52. Perimenopause begins 6-13 years before menopause and is recognised by a myriad of signs caused by fluctuations in your estrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels. Often-times menopause creeps up on us, so please know that even though you’re still getting your period it doesn’t mean you’re not on your way to menopause. Take our quiz to arm yourself with knowledge;

Are you over 40?YesNo

For some women, perimenopause may happen in their late 30's or early 40's.

The average woman enters perimenopause at around 45 years. For some women, this may happen in their late 30's or early 40's.

Have you had a period in the last 12 months?YesNoNot Sure

Menopause itself is reached when a woman has her final period, which we only know 12 months later. It normally happens between the ages of 45-55 with the average age being 52.

By the definition of menopause, if you are in sound health and have not had a period in the last 12 months you are now post-menopause. Many women continue to experience menopausal signs well into post-menopause.

If you get another period, why not record it?

Do you have irregular periods? Have they changed in flow?YesNoNot sure/maybe

Irregular periods are one of the first signs a (healthy) woman is in perimenopause. Most women will experience irregularity for three to 10 years in the lead-up to menopause.

Chances are you haven’t reached perimenopause yet.

Perhaps it’s time to start taking note. Try downloading the Flo Period & Ovulation Tracker app to monitor your periods. It’s free. Link: https://flo.health/

Are you experiencing tender breasts?YesNo

Tender breasts can be a sign of PMS and pregnancy, however, they can also be a sign of estrogen dominance due to perimenopause.

Lucky you!

Have you felt over-emotional lately?YesNo

As they do with PMS and pregnancy, fluctuating levels of reproductive hormones during the meno years can have a significant effect on our moods and/or emotions.

Hooray!

Are you having trouble either getting to sleep or staying asleep?YesNo

Women can encounter sleeping difficulties in all three stages of menopause. The hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can contribute to an ability to fall asleep.

Enjoy sleeping beauty!

Are you experiencing excessive sweating at night?YesNo

During menopause estrogen levels fluctuate, causing a part of the brain that regulates body temperature to become confused and respond like a faulty thermostat.

Sweet dreams 🙂

Are you moody and irritable?YesNo

The hormonal transitions of the meno years can prompt moderate to severe mood swings and irritability.

Bravo, you’re nice to be around.

Are you experiencing hot flushes?YesNoSometimes

Hot flushes are the most common sign of menopause and occur as estrogen levels fluctuate affecting the body’s temperature gauge.

You’re one cool customer 🙂

Not everyone experiences hot flushes all the time, and they can be triggered by stress, anxiety, spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol.

Have you been feeling anxiety or feelings of dread?YesNoOccasionally

Anxiety is one of the most common and debilitating signs of menopause. It’s a feeling of doom and dread and is usually rooted in the pit of the stomach.

Keep calm and carry on.

Only you will know if this is part of your ‘normal’ reaction to everyday stress or significant events.

Are you forgetting things like where you’ve put your keys?YesNoSometimes

During perimenopause women may have trouble remembering things, experience mental blocks or have difficulty concentrating.

Great stuff.

The meno years aside, this can be common when we have too much on our plates.

Do you feel tired?YesNo

For women in menopause fatigue can come crashing in at any time. Our bodies are going through a lot of change which can impact our energy levels.

Make the most of that energy.

Have you experienced dizzy spells lately?YesNo

A sensation of dizziness, feeling that everything is spinning, a loss of balance or feeling faint may all be signs of perimenopause.

Enjoy that grounded feeling.

Are your joints aching?YesNo

Aching joints often come out of the blue during perimenopause/menopause. Though they’re usually associated with exercise or injury, women don’t always make the link to peri/menopause.

Keep up your flexibility with stretching or yoga.

Would you rather stay at home pulling teeth than attend social events or meetings?YesNo

An aversion to being around lots of people or at social gatherings – even if you’ve always been a social butterfly - can be a common effect of falling estrogen levels.

Go out and enjoy that coffee girl.

Do you feel like you have less hair?YesNo

Hair loss/thinning during the meno years is due to fluctuating hormone levels. The decrease of estrogen inhibits hair growth on the head and also leads to the release of androgens which shrink hair follicles on the head (and promote chin whiskers – sorry!).

Make the most of your tresses.

Is your skin feeling dry?YesNo

The drop in estrogen that is a hallmark of the perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause can lead to a dryer, thinner skin as well as lines and wrinkles.

Keep up the good care and sunscreen.

Has your waist disappeared?YesNo

Weight gain is one of the most distressing signs of midlife for women. Typically weight redistributes itself to sit around the abdomen.

Keep wearing great belts!

Is sex the furthest thing from your mind?YesNo

Loss of libido commonly affects 20-40 percent of peri/menopausal women.

Making love regularly benefits your skin and your health.

Do you feel like you’re going mad?YesNo

One of the more distressing effects of the meno years is a feeling of going crazy. Turning into Godzilla and flying off the handle can be par for the course for some women.

Well, that’s a good thing, isn’t it?

Are you taking any supplements or medications?YesNo

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Disclaimer:

It should be noted that some of the signs we talk about here can also be experienced during PMS or pregnancy. If you’re of perimenopausal age but still getting your period we advise ruling out pregnancy first.