Intro to Menopause 02:43
Menopause is the natural decline in reproductive hormones that typically occurs in a woman’s 40’-60s. There are two main phases:
Perimenopause is the transition period before menopause where women experience changes in their regular menstrual cycle and various symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sleep disturbances, and potentially anxiety or depression. Typically, this phase can last anywhere from 7-14 years.
Postmenopause is experienced when a woman stops menstruating for 12 months. Eggs, estrogen, and progesterone are no longer produced by the ovaries thus, PMS symptoms will most likely cease. Weight fluctuations may also occur, especially if the individual is sedentary.
It becomes imperative to manage inflammation levels through proper nutrition, sleep, and exercise during this period as estrogen is no longer produced by the ovaries, and remember, estrogen is a powerful antioxidant!