If you’re feeling like something’s changing but you’re not quite sure what — you’re not alone.
The word menopause gets thrown around a lot, but most people don’t actually know what it means (including some GPs!).
Let’s clear up the confusion.
Menopause, Defined
Put simply, menopause is the point when you haven’t had a period for 12 months — and there’s no other reason for it (like pregnancy or illness). That’s it. It’s just one day on the calendar. After that, you’re considered postmenopausal.
1. Pre-menopause
This is the time from the onset of your first period all the way up to peri-menopause
2. Perimenopause
This can start as early as your late 30s or early 40s. It’s the transition phase when your hormones start to fluctuate and symptoms begin.
Common signs:
• Irregular periods
• Worsening PMS
• Mood swings or anxiety
• Brain fog
• Night sweats or hot flushes
• Trouble sleeping
• Low libido
Perimenopause can last anywhere from 2 to 10 years. Yep — years.
3. Menopause
This is the official 12-month mark since your last period.
It usually happens between ages 45 and 55 (the average is around 51).
You might not even realise you’ve hit it until you’re already a few months past.
4. Postmenopause
Once you’re through menopause, you’re postmenopausal.
For some, symptoms start to ease.
For others, things like vaginal dryness or anxiety can linger — because your body is now running on much lower levels of oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone.
And with this comes a higher risk of diseases like heart disease, dementia, osteoporosis to name a few.
How Do I Know If I’m In Perimenopause?
There’s no single blood test that can tell you for sure. Hormone levels can swing wildly from day to day, so tests often aren’t helpful.
Instead, it’s about noticing patterns:
• Has your period changed (lighter, heavier, longer, shorter, less regular)?
• Are you getting new or worsening symptoms that can’t be explained another way?
• Are you aged 38+ and starting to feel off? Trust your instincts. Track your symptoms. And if something feels different — it probably is.
You’re not going crazy. You’re shifting.
Menopause isn’t just about periods stopping. It’s a full-body, whole-life shift. And even though every woman’s experience is different, you don’t have to just “put up with it.” There’s support. There are options. And you’re not alone.
Whatever stage you’re in, I’m here for you. Let’s flip the narrative and turn this transition into something positive. After all, it’s the start of the rest of your life. Let’s make it a healthy, happy one.
FYI – If you go to the GP before 45, they may suggest a blood test to confirm you’re in perimenopause. Over 45, it’s just assumed it’s the case.
Now, as we’ve just discussed, blood tests aren’t great. They would need to take one every single day to get an accurate picture.
Instead, I suggest tracking symptoms (use the tracker provided) and taking that with you to the GP. And if the GP still doesn’t take you seriously, change to another one!
Let me know if you need support with this…I’m building a network of menopause specialists and can help recommend.
