Menopausal Transition

“The menopausal transition, sometimes called perimenopause, begins several years before a woman’s last period. During this time, women may experience…”.¹

Umbrella
What may the Menopausal Transition Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

Terminology

Are the menopausal transition and perimenopause interchangeable terms?

Yes. In Perimenopause or Menopausal Transition: Key Points the Australasian Menopause Society note:

Definition

What is the menopausal transition?

DotS the definition of the menopausal transition may vary. The World Health Organization’s and the International Menopause Society’s definition is:

“Menopausal transition – the term menopausal transition should be reserved for that period of time before the FMP when variability in the menstrual cycle is usually increased”.³

What is FMP?

FMP can be an abbreviation for Final Menstrual Period.

Begin

When does the menopausal transition begin?

In What Is Menopause? Is It Menopause? the (United States) National Institute on Aging (NIA) explain:

“The menopausal transition, sometimes called perimenopause, begins several years before a woman’s last period. During this time, women may experience spotty menstrual cycles, hot flashes, and other changes. While this time is commonly referred to as “menopause,” menopause doesn’t happen until 1 year after the final menstrual period”.⁴

Age

Between what ages does the menopausal transition most often begin?

In What Is Menopause? Understanding the Menopausal Transition the NIA elaborate on:

“The menopausal transition most often begins between ages 45 and 55. It usually lasts about 7 years but can last as long as 14 years. During the menopausal transition, the body’s production of estrogen and progesterone, two hormones made by the ovaries, varies greatly. Bones become less dense, making women more vulnerable to fractures. During this period, too, the body begins to use energy differently, fat cells change, and women may gain weight more easily”.⁵

Health Care Provider

What if I would like to find out more about the menopausal transition?

If you would like to find out more about the menopausal transition, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

In What Is Menopause? Is It Menopause? the NIA explain:

“If you are having symptoms commonly associated with the menopausal transition, your doctor may ask questions about your age, symptoms, and family history to determine if it really is the menopausal transition causing your symptoms. In some cases, your doctor may suggest a blood test to check your follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol (E2) levels to rule out any other causes for the changes you’re experiencing”.⁶

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Topic Last Updated: 05 August 2020 – Topic Last Reviewed: 05 August 2020