Menopause, the transition years…
Sometimes called our autumn years, the menopause transitiion can feel more like an indian summer, changing from hot to cool and back again. Feeling tired and achey is not just reserved for the flu. Many women suffer a multitude of symptoms during the peri-menopausal and menopausal years that range from mildly discomforting to disabling:
Yes Virginia, there is a Menopause
“You said that with the testy bark of an old biddy”.
The Big Bang Theory, 2010
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Perimenopause, Menopause, whats the difference?
*Menopause. The final menstrual period, which can be confirmed after going 12 consecutive months without a period. This time marks the permanent end of menstruation and fertility. It is a normal, natural event associated with reduced functioning of the ovaries, resulting in lower levels of ovarian hormones (primarily estrogen).
*Perimenopause. A span of time typically lasting 6 years or more that begins with the onset of menstrual cycle changes and other menopause-related symptoms and extends through menopause (the last menstrual period) to 1 year after menopause. Perimenopause is experienced only with spontaneous (natural) menopause, not induced menopause. Also called the menopause transition. See also Induced menopause.
*Definitions from the NAMS Website