IF THE TERMS CONFUSE YOU
Peri, meno, post: which one am I in?
Perimenopause is the run-up, menopause comes next, then postmenopause. Here is how the NHS sets them out.
THE THREE TERMS
How the NHS defines each one
- Perimenopause ends when you reach menopause
- Menopause is when 12 months go by with no period
- After this it's called postmenopause
HOW PERIMENOPAUSE OFTEN SHOWS UP
A change to your periods is often an early sign
The NHS says a change to your periods is usually one of the first signs. They can come more or less often, and bleeding can get heavier or lighter.
IF YOU ARE PAST MENOPAUSE
Symptoms can continue after menopause
The NHS says some symptoms, such as joint pain and vaginal dryness, can continue after menopause, into postmenopause.
IF YOU USE HORMONAL CONTRACEPTION
It can blur the picture
The NHS says hormonal contraception can make it harder to tell whether you have reached perimenopause or menopause, because it can affect your periods.
Bring this to your appointment
Questions for your doctor
- Which stage do you think I am in, and why?
- Could my contraception be hiding the signs?
- Which of my symptoms are worth talking through now?
As slides
Sources
General information, not medical advice.