Typical Age Range, Late 30s to late 40s, though it most commonly begins in the early to mid-40s. This phase can last anywhere from 4 to 8 years (sometimes longer).

Perimenopause is the transitional period leading up to menopause. During this time, hormone levels (especially oestrogen) fluctuate, leading to symptoms like irregular periods, hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and mood changes.

Typical Age on average, menopause occurs around age 51 in most women, but it can happen anytime between the late 40s and early 50s.

Menopause is officially diagnosed when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period.

Typical Age, begins after menopause (typically after age 51) and continues for the rest of a woman’s life. Post menopause is the stage after menopause. Symptoms like hot flashes may continue for some women, but they often lessen over time. Long-term health considerations, such as bone density loss and heart health, become more important during this phase.

The entire transition from perimenopause to post menopause can take several years, with the average being around 7 years, though it can be shorter or longer depending on the individual. Lifestyle, genetics, and overall health can influence the timing and severity of symptoms.

Fluctuating progesterone, oestrogen and testosterone levels can be responsible for many psychological symptoms around menopause, including:

Many people are simply not prepared for the variety and intensity of those symptoms which can have an impact on quality of life around menopause. But all too often these mental health symptoms are put down to other causes, leaving people to suffer in silence.

According to The Menopause Doctor, Dr Louise R Newson, many women are being inaccurately diagnosed with depression and anxiety, along with a number of other health problems, without their changing hormone levels being addressed. As a result, women going through menopause can be incorrectly prescribed antidepressants which have no effect on the underlying hormonal changes that are causing the problems in the first place.

There is a link between post-natal depression and depression around menopause. Be vigilant as menopause approaches and seek help early if you know you experienced a particularly tough time with your mental health after having a baby.

Mood swings, depression, anxiety and irritability can all surface as perimenopause arrives. Even if you’ve never suffered from mental health issues before, declining levels of hormones can bring them on.

Emotional health can also be impacted by the physical symptoms of menopause, broken sleep, which is a common complaint, can wreak havoc with energy and concentration levels and only adds to the stress. While hot flushes in public can be embarrassing, for some it is often the more private symptoms of vaginal dryness and increased urinary symptoms that have an impact on self-confidence and our most intimate relationships with partners.

Menopause is a journey, and every woman’s experience is unique. At Nyari’s Menopause Hub, we’re here to walk alongside you, offering the tools, resources, and community you need to embrace this phase of life with confidence and grace.

Explore our resources, join our community, or book a coaching session today. Together, we can make menopause a positive and empowering experience.