People talk about “entering menopause” for a reason: It’s is a process, not a sudden change. You don’t simply wake up and find yourself in menopause one day. In fact, it can take several years before you enter full menopause. To fully understand this period of life, you need to understand its three stages: perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause.

Perimenopause is the first stage of menopause. Think of it like puberty in reverse; instead of your hormone levels increasing, they’re decreasing. Instead of your ovaries gearing up for the possibility of childbirth, they’re slowing down as the end of your childbearing years approach. And instead of your body prepping for its very first period, it’s preparing for its last.

Perimenopause typically begins in your 40s, although it may begin as early as your mid-30s and as late as your mid-50s. Because hormone levels peak in your late 20s before beginning a gradual (and often irregular) decline, you may not be aware when you initially arrive at perimenopause. For many women, the first indication is irregular periods.

Perimenopause can last for many years. Some women are in this stage for only a few months, while others are in it for up to 10 years. The average length of perimenopause is four years.

Just like you went through some discomfort during puberty, you may experience some unpleasant signs during perimenopause. These may range from common symptoms such as hot flashes, irregular periods and mood swings to less well-known ones like joint pain, brain fog and insomnia.

Because perimenopause can last for years, it’s important to seek help from your doctor if you need it. Many women turn to bioidentical hormone replacement therapy for relief. With BHRT, you may experience fewer mood swings, an increased libido, better sleep and other benefits.

Menopause begins when you haven’t had a period for 12 consecutive months. At this point, your ovaries have stopped releasing eggs, and you can no longer get pregnant. This stage is a normal, unavoidable part of aging.

The average age for menopause is 51, with most women reaching this milestone between 45 and 55. You will probably hit menopause at the same age as your mother, but non-genetic factors, such as your lifestyle, diet and physical condition, may cause you to reach this stage earlier. Women who are heavy smokers, for example, may enter menopause up to nine years earlier than their non-smoking peers.

Uncomfortable symptoms typically continue into menopause. For some women these symptoms may be mild, while for others they are more severe. It’s important to take care of yourself during menopause to ensure you feel your best. Possible treatments include changing your diet, getting more exercise, and starting bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.

Postmenopause is the last stage of menopause. As the name implies, it begins after menopause and lasts for the rest of your life.

The arrival of postmenopause brings with it a number of benefits. You no longer have a monthly period, which means no more menstrual products, no more cramps, and no more PMS. You also no longer have to worry about getting pregnant unexpectedly. Many women feel more confident and empowered during this stage.

Once you’ve reached postmenopause, you’re typically past the most challenging part of this life transition. Most women no longer experience hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms, although for many women, symptoms may persist for a little while longer.

While menopausal symptoms decrease, however, your risk of other conditions increases. These include:

  • Heart disease
  • Osteoporosis
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Vaginal atrophy
  • Weight gain

It’s important to speak with your doctor about any health concerns you have. Your doctor may choose to prescribe bioidentical hormone replacement therapy to help you deal with any lingering menopausal symptoms and remain in good health.

No matter what stage of menopause you’re in, you may benefit from bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). Many women turn to BHRT to balance their hormones and feel like themselves again.

During perimenopause and menopause, BHRT can replenish your depleting hormones to keep your symptoms under control. This means you’ll experience more energy, an increased libido, improved focus, better sleep, and yes—fewer hot flashes.

During postmenopause, BHRT can continue to alleviate any lingering symptoms you may have. It also can play a key role in protecting against osteoporosis. As estrogen declines, your bones become weaker and more brittle. That means they can break more easily. In fact, if your bones become too weak, you can break them simply by coughing. By increasing your estrogen levels, BHRT can restore normal bone density and prevent you from developing osteoporosis altogether.

Navigate the stages of menopause with ease.

Find a menopause provider near you and schedule your bioidentical hormones consultation today.