When are menopausal symptoms the worst and do they stop?
Published: 25 May 2023
The different stages of menopause can be confusing, overwhelming and unclear. Though menopause is a process that every woman goes through, it doesn’t get talked about a lot, and when you start experiencing menopausal symptoms you realise you haven’t been given much information as to how to navigate this period and what it actually means. Without proper information and support it can be challenging to understand this transition.
In this article, we will guide you through the four stages of menopause, the expected age of occurrence, their common symptoms, and how to manage them to achieve a better quality of life and not feel overwhelmed.
What is the first stage of menopause?
The first stage of menopause is early perimenopause, which usually begins in the late 30s or early 40s.
During this stage, estrogen levels begin to fluctuate, and the first sign you may notice is when your periods become irregular (such as, your period coming a week earlier or later than usual). Other common symptoms that may occur in this stage are hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and decreased sex drive.
This stage can be rather lengthy, lasting typically 4-8 years.
What is the second stage of menopause?
The second stage of perimenopause is characterised by more significant hormonal changes and typically occurs in the late 40s or early 50s.
This stage is typically recognised when there is a gap of at least 60 days between some menstrual cycles. In addition to the irregular periods, your symptoms may intensify and hot flushes and night sweats may become severe and more prominent. Other common symptoms such as mood swings, brain fog, fatigue, and sleep disturbances may become more disturbing and troubling.
This stage is usually shorter than the first stage and typically lasts 2-4 years.
What is the third stage of menopause?
After the second stage of perimenopause, you are in actual menopause. You are out of the perimenopause stages when you have had 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. Menopause is the stage when a woman’s menstrual cycles stop entirely, usually occurring around age 51.
At this stage, you may notice a lessening of the symptoms, such as hot flushes and night sweats becoming less frequent and less intense.
What is the last stage of menopause?
Beginning one year after the last menstrual period, you enter the final stage of menopause – postmenopause. During this phase, symptoms like hot flushes, mood swings, insomnia may continue, but they often decrease in intensity. However, postmenopausal women may experience additional health concerns, including an increased risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, and urinary incontinence.
What to do to reduce night sweats?
Menopause often is a very challenging stage of women’s life. Managing menopause symptoms is critical to maintain a good quality of life.
Hot flushes and night sweats are the most common symptoms, affecting 75% of women and if you don’t want to compromise on your quality of sleep, you may consider investing in moisture-wicking, cooling bedding and pillowcases that can help regulate your body temperature and promote better sleep.
Eucalyptus-derived Tencel bedding is an excellent choice as it is a sustainable fabric that absorbs and wicks away moisture and provides a cooling effect. Available only at Cassvensi, a 600 thread count 100% Tencel lyocell is the best option if you need cooling pillowcases for night sweats, breathable fitted sheets for hot sleepers, and moisture-wicking duvet covers for hot flushes.
As research found that hot flushes last around 8 years and for some people they never go away, it is definitely worth finding the right solution to help alleviate these symptoms. You can find more info about hot flushes in our article ‘How long can hot flushes last and will they stop after menopause?’ And ‘How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep Despite Hot Flushes – Tips from a Doctor’
Can natural supplements help with menopausal symptoms?
In addition to investing in quality bedding, natural supplements can also be effective in managing menopause symptoms. Natural supplements like sage, ashwagandha, maca root, holy basil can help improve hot flushes, night sweats, insomnia, anxiety and mood swings. These natural remedies are available in our shop, and though our made-in-the-UK supplements are 100% vegan and hormone-free we highly recommend consulting with your healthcare provider before adding any supplements to your regimen. You can also learn more about natural supplements and hormone therapy in our article ‘Natural Supplements vs HRT: Doctor’s Guide to Relieving Hot Flushes and Night Sweats During Menopause’
Conclusion
Understanding the four stages of menopause is important to manage the transition successfully. Early perimenopause and second-stage perimenopause are the most challenging stages, with intense symptoms that can impact your quality of life. Menopause and postmenopause have less severe symptoms, but additional health concerns may arise. At www.cassvensi.co.uk , we offer a wide range of Tencel bedding and natural supplements to help you manage menopause symptoms and improve your sleep quality. Investing in sustainable and moisture-wicking bedding and taking natural supplements can help you feel more comfortable and confident during this significant life transition.