PHASES of MENOPAUSE

Perimenopause

• The transition phase leading up to menopause.

• Can last several years.

• Periods may become irregular.

• Symptoms like hot flashes and mood changes may begin.

Menopause

• The point when a woman has not had a period for 12 months in a row.

• Ovaries stop releasing eggs.

• Hormone levels remain low.

Postmenopause

• The years after menopause

• Menopausal symptoms may ease but health risks related to lower estrogen (like osteoporosis or heart disease) can increase.