Understanding the changes, protecting your mental health, and embracing your next chapter

Currently navigating perimenopause

October is Menopause Awareness Month, and it’s the perfect opportunity to have an honest conversation about something nearly every woman will experience, but many of us know surprisingly little about.

We’ve all heard the word menopause, but what exactly is the difference between perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause?

And perhaps more importantly, why don’t we talk more about the emotional and mental changes that can accompany this stage of life?

Understanding the Three Stages

According to the Cleveland Clinic, menopause is part of a natural biological transition, but there are three distinct stages worth understanding.

Perimenopause: The Transition

Perimenopause is the period leading up to menopause, when reproductive hormone levels begin fluctuating. It often begins in a woman’s 40s, although some women experience changes earlier.

Symptoms can include irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, brain fog, mood swings, anxiety, and changes in skin and hair.

This transition can last several years, and symptoms vary significantly from woman to woman.

Menopause: The Milestone

Here’s something that surprises many women: menopause isn’t a stage that lasts for years. It’s actually a point in time.

Menopause is officially reached after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, assuming there is no other medical explanation.

The average age in the United States is approximately 52, although every woman’s experience is different.

Postmenopause: The Next Chapter

Postmenopause begins after menopause and continues for the remainder of a woman’s life.

For some women, symptoms gradually improve. Others continue experiencing hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sleep disturbances, or other changes.

During this stage, it’s especially important to pay attention to bone health, cardiovascular health, and overall wellness.

Let’s Talk About Mental Health, Too

We often associate menopause with hot flashes and night sweats, but the emotional changes deserve just as much attention.

Anxiety, irritability, difficulty concentrating, disrupted sleep, and feelings of sadness can all appear during the menopause transition.

For women balancing careers, children, aging parents, relationships, and countless other responsibilities, these changes can feel especially overwhelming.

And sometimes, the most difficult part is not understanding why you suddenly feel different.

Hormonal fluctuations may contribute to mood changes, but mental health is complex. Persistent anxiety, depression, or significant changes in your emotional well-being deserve attention and support.

Talk to your healthcare provider. Consider speaking with a mental health professional. And don’t underestimate the importance of conversations with other women navigating similar experiences.

You don’t have to dismiss what you’re feeling as simply getting older.

A Book Worth Reading

One resource I’ve personally read is Are You There, God? It’s Me, in Menopause: An Unfiltered, Honest Guide to Midlife Hormones, Health, and Happiness by Carol King and Dr. Ashley Alexis, ND.

The book offers an approachable, often humorous look at the physical and emotional realities of menopause, answering questions many women have but may hesitate to ask.

I especially appreciate resources that help bring more diverse voices and experiences into conversations about midlife women’s health.

Your Next Chapter Deserves Attention

Menopause is a natural transition, but that doesn’t mean women should be expected to navigate uncomfortable or disruptive symptoms without help.

Take time to understand what’s happening in your body. Ask questions, explore your healthcare options, prioritize your emotional well-being, and surround yourself with people who support you.