Changes during Transition

Menopause is a normal part of our maturing and aging process and is welcomed by many women as a time that brings new personal freedoms. Menopause is the last menstrual period and is confirmed when 12 months in a row have passed without a period. However, our bodies are undergoing changes in the time leading up to that final period. This time is called perimenopause or the menopause transition. Many women don’t know all the ways menopause affects a woman’s body. There are many complex changes to our hormones, skin, bones, and sexual organs.

Cycle Changes
The menopause transition has signs such as irregular periods, cramping, and spotting. In the early part of the menopause transition, a woman might notice that her cycle is a bit longer or shorter. She might also notice that her flow is heavier or lighter, or she might start skipping periods. There could even be several months without a period and then she gets one again. Because of these changes in a woman’s menstrual cycle, many unintended pregnancies happen during this time. But it is not until 12 months in a row have passed without a period that you are considered to be postmenopause or past menopause and can no longer get pregnant.

Hormonal Changes
The menopause transition also involves hormonal changes. Follicles are aging. They produce less and less estrogen and progesterone until not enough estrogen and progesterone are produced, and periods stop. When the body’s natural hormone levels decline, many women experience hot flashes, problems with memory, and sleep disruptions.

Physical Changes
During the menopause transition there are physical changes too. The walls of the uterus and the vagina get thinner, and the surface of the vagina may feel drier, less smooth, and even irritated. As hormone levels drop, some women experience weakened pelvic muscles, which leads to bladder problems.

Things to remember about the menopause transition:

• Cycle Changes
  • Longer or shorter cycles
  • Flow is heavier or lighter
  • Skip periods
  • 12 months in a row without a period before you can’t get pregnant

• Hormonal Changes
  • Hormone levels decline: less estrogen and progesterone
  • Hot flashes, memory problems, sleep disruption can occur
  • Physical changes occur
  • Menstruation stops