Menopause is often defined as when someone who has periods hasn’t had any vaginal bleeding in 12 months, though for folks who may not have a period (whether due to previously irregular cycles, hysterectomy, and/or hormonal birth control methods that control bleeding) this can also be defined as a significant decline in the body’s estrogen levels causing ovulation to stop. People who have experienced menopause, or who are postmenopausal, are no longer able to get pregnant because they are no longer ovulating. 

Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause, where someone may be experiencing menopause-related symptoms but has not yet completed the transition of menopause. During this time ovulation is still occurring, even if sporadically, so it is still possible to get pregnant. 

Many people experience uncomfortable symptoms during this peri- and post-menopause time period such as hot flashes, menstrual irregularity, and vaginal/vulvar or urinary symptoms, which are all impacted by declining rates of estrogen in the body as well as other factors. Some people also report symptoms like cognitive changes (“brain fog”), mood changes/mood swings, skin and hair changes, increased joint pain, decreased energy levels, changes in body composition, lower sex drive, or “just not feeling like themselves”. While these symptoms may be considered expected or “normal”, your comfort matters! Schedule an appointment with our Menopause Society-accredited Nurse Practitioner by calling (603) 436-7588!