{"id":2701,"date":"2023-08-02T19:59:46","date_gmt":"2023-08-02T18:59:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bioidhealth.com\/?p=2701"},"modified":"2023-10-23T10:33:25","modified_gmt":"2023-10-23T09:33:25","slug":"what-is-the-difference-between-menopause-and-perimenopause","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bioidhealth.com\/what-is-the-difference-between-menopause-and-perimenopause\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the Difference Between Menopause and PeriMenopause?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Are you wondering whether you’re in perimenopause<\/strong><\/a> or menopause<\/strong><\/a>? Stay tuned to our blog to know the difference between these phases!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Perimenopause or menopause are the natural stages of a female\u2019s life. Although these are characterised by bothersome symptoms, the clarity of their difference can lead to making informed choices about tackling symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Table of Contents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Table of Contents<\/a><\/span><\/div>
What is Menopause?<\/a><\/span><\/div>
What is Perimenopause?<\/a><\/span><\/div>
Symptoms of Perimenopause and Menopause<\/a><\/span><\/div>
What are the Worst Menopause Symptoms?<\/a><\/span><\/div>
What Signals the End of Menopause?<\/a><\/span><\/div>
Menopause Vs Perimenopause<\/a><\/span><\/div>
Final Remarks<\/a><\/span><\/div>
FAQs<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Menopause is described as a key turning point in a woman’s life that comes with a number of emotional and physical changes. But before reaching this stage, females go through a transitional phase named perimenopause. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The body of a woman experiences hormonal changes during this time as it gets ready for the eventual end of menstrual cycles. Since these two stages are interrelated, understanding their distinctions can empower women with knowledge and promote a better understanding of their bodies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What is Menopause?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Menopause is the term used to describe the normal biological process that signals the permanent cessation of a woman’s menstrual cycles and capacity for reproduction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The production of oestrogen and progesterone hormones declines as menopause approaches because the ovaries gradually release fewer eggs. Due to this change, menstrual cycles become less frequent and eventually come to a complete halt. Medically, menopause is confirmed when a woman has not experienced menstruation for 12 consecutive months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Span of Menopause<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

 Menopause often begins between the ages of 45 and 55. Although it usually lasts seven years, can possibly take as long as fourteen years.  The length of this period may differ according to lifestyle factors including smoking, race, and ethnicity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What is Perimenopause?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It is a transitional phase in a female\u2019s life that precedes menopause. Perimenopause brings some hormonal fluctuations and changes in her reproductive system. Although it can happen as early as the late 30s, it typically starts in a woman’s forties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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During perimenopause, the main female sex hormone, oestrogen, is gradually produced less by the ovaries. This hormonal change can lead to irregular menstrual cycles as the ovaries may not release an egg every month. Menstrual flow may also change in intensity during this time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Duration of Perimenopause<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This period of transition may extend from a few months to many years. However, the average interval of perimenopause is almost four years. As the function of the ovaries declines further, women reach menopause, defined as the complete cessation of menstrual period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A healthcare professional should be consulted if you are exhibiting any of these symptoms and believe you may be in perimenopause to receive an accurate diagnosis and advice on how to effectively manage symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Also Read: Signs That Perimenopause Is Ending<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
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Symptoms of Perimenopause and Menopause<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Due to the decline of oestrogen and progesterone levels during perimenopause, women may experience some symptoms that can last till their menopause ends. However,  their intensity may vary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here we highlight some common signs of both phases:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Irregular Menstrual Cycles<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Changes in the menstrual cycle brought on by perimenopause include shorter or longer cycles, missed periods, and variations in flow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Hot flashes and Night Sweats<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Hot flashes and hot flashes, also known as sudden waves of heat, are frequent during perimenopause and menopause. They can disturb sleep by causing flushing, perspiration, and night sweats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Mood Swings and Emotional Changes<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Hormonal fluctuations during transitional phases can lead to mood swings, irritability, increased anxiety, and feelings of sadness or depression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Decrease in Libido and Sexual function<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Low oestrogen levels during perimenopause can affect sexual desire, and arousal, and lead to vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sleep Disturbances and Fatigue<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Sleep patterns can be disturbed by hormonal changes, which can make it difficult to get to sleep or stay asleep. The sleep disturbances caused by night sweats lead to fatigue, daytime sleepiness, and a loss of energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Joint Pain and Muscle Aches<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The ovaries produce less oestrogen during menopause. It helps keep the cartilage in your joints healthy and lubricated. As oestrogen levels drop, your joints’ cartilage may begin to deteriorate causing pain and stiffness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Besides the above symptoms, other signs may include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n