What Signals the End of Menopause Transition?

Menopause can be a tumultuous time, and you might be wondering… is there any light at the end of the tunnel?

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the end of menopause transition, including:

• How to know when you’ve reached menopause
• How your hormones and symptoms will be affected and
• What to expect during postmenopause

Ready? Let’s go! 

What Is the ‘Menopause Transition’ and When Does It End?

The transition to menopause or the ‘menopause transition’ is the period of time when reproductive hormone patterns gradually change ahead of menopause. We also call this ‘perimenopause’. 

During this time, the menstrual cycle becomes increasingly irregular. Though it’s still possible to become pregnant during perimenopause, the chances of conception are low due to fewer follicles left in the ovaries. 

On average, perimenopause lasts approximately two to eight years. You’ll know when you’ve reached the end of the menopause transition when you haven’t had a period for at least 12 consecutive months. This is what officially marks the end of perimenopause. 

Being able to recognize how far along you are in the menopause transition is helpful for managing the many different symptoms and health implications of menopause. 

Understanding the Three Stages of Menopause

Menopause has three distinct stages:

• Perimenopause: the period of time lasting around two to eight years when reproductive hormone patterns gradually change.
• Menopause: The specific ‘line’ or milestone between perimenopause and postmenopause, when you haven’t had a period for at least 12 consecutive months. 
• Postmenopause: The period of time after you have reached menopause. 

When the body transitions to menopause, estrogen and progesterone levels gradually decrease. At the same time, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels gradually increase. This change in hormone patterns is what causes the uncomfortable physical and emotional symptoms associated with menopause. 

The most common symptoms associated with the menopause transition include:

• Irregular periods
• Lighter or heavier than normal periods
• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Sleeping difficulties
• Mood changes
• Fatigue
• Low libido
• Vaginal dryness

Other less common but normal symptoms of menopause include (in alphabetical order):

• Anxiety and/or depression
• Burning mouth
• Brain fog
• Breast pain
• Brittle hair and nails 
• Changes to body odor
• Difficulty concentrating
• Dizziness
• Hair loss
• Headaches and migraines
• Increased bloating, indigestion, and/or abdominal pain
• Itchiness
• Joint pain
• Muscle tension
• New or worsening allergies
• Panic attacks
• Unexplained tingling in the extremities
• Urine incontinence
• Weight gain

When menopause is officially reached, estrogen and progesterone levels remain low while FSH and LH levels remain elevated. Even though hormone levels have ‘settled’ into a new normal after menopause (i.e. postmenopause), the uncomfortable symptoms may still continue. 

The postmenopausal phase also comes with a host of health risks due to low estrogen levels. This includes an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). 

Tracking the Menopause Transition With Mira

The beginning of perimenopause often starts with a missed period here and there. As time progresses, periods may become much harder to predict. You may also feel more tired, fatigued, and irritable than normal – not to mention the frequent hot flashes and night sweats. 

It can feel like you’re heading into the unknown, but it doesn’t have to. With Mira’s Menopause Transitions Kit, you can:

• Test and track your hormones directly, from the comfort of your home!
• Monitor your unique cycle patterns and how they change over time
• Find out whether or not you’re still fertile
• Keep track of your symptoms and how they correlate with hormonal fluctuations

With two months of consistent tracking in the Mira App (in Menopause Transitions Mode), you’ll be able to see exactly where you are along your menopause journey. We call this your Menopause Transitions Stage, and being able to identify this stage can help you take control of your symptoms and plan ahead for your future. 

To learn more about how Mira can help you navigate the transition to menopause, visit: What is ‘Menopause Transitions Mode’ and How Does it Work?

How to Know When the Transition to Menopause Is Coming to an End

The only way to diagnose the end of the menopause transition (i.e. you’ve reached menopause) is when you haven’t had a menstrual period for at least 12 consecutive months. 

Once you’ve reached menopause, you may also notice some of your perimenopausal symptoms become gradually less intense. 

This can look like: 

• Less frequent or intense hot flashes
• Less frequent or intense night sweats
• Improved mood and energy levels
• Improved quality of sleep

However, it’s important to remember that even though some symptoms improve or disappear, others can manifest more intensely. Everyone’s body and experience of menopause is different. That’s why it’s important to stay on top of your symptoms and reach out to a doctor if you are struggling. 

What to Expect When You Enter Postmenopause

After you’ve reached menopause, you then enter postmenopause. You will then be in the postmenopause phase for the rest of your life. 

While this phase often feels less chaotic than perimenopause, it still comes with a few health challenges and postmenopausal symptoms you’ll need to manage. 

But first, let’s take a look at some of the positives: 

• Your mood is likely to become more stabilized
• You may experience improved emotional well-being
• Brain fog may go away, providing you with more mental clarity
• Your sleep patterns are likely to improve
• Hot flashes and night sweats may become less intense

Again, it is not guaranteed that all your perimenopausal symptoms will go away completely. However, in the majority of cases, most symptoms will slowly fade away over time. 

Long-Term Postmenopausal Health Risks

When estrogen levels fall and remain low during postmenopause, it exposes the body to a number of health risks. 

Here are the top three risks to be mindful of: 

• Cardiovascular Disease: The body’s metabolism slows down after menopause, which can lead to weight gain and increased fat around the midsection. A little weight gain is usually nothing to worry about, but too much can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.
• Osteoporosis: An estimated 20% of bone loss occurs in the run-up to menopause and the postmenopausal period. This can cause the bones to become more fragile, leading to an increased risk of fractures and limited mobility. 
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Low estrogen levels can cause tissue in the reproductive tract to become thin and dry. This creates an environment that is more easily prone to infection. 

You may also notice some changes to your skin. This is also due to low estrogen levels, which can cause the skin to become drier, thinner, and more fragile.  

Breast tenderness is another symptom of perimenopause that can also continue into menopause. Breast tenderness is not usually a cause for concern and rarely indicates something as serious as cancer. However, it’s always a good idea to speak with your doctor if you are experiencing continued breast pain after menopause. They can help you figure out potential causes of your pain.  

Lifestyle Tips for Managing the Menopause Transition

Everyone’s experience of menopause is different, and symptoms can range from mild to intense. 

If you are approaching the age of perimenopause (symptoms can start as early as your mid-30s), it’s important to stay in tune with your body. Start tracking your period, make a note when you’re feeling abnormally fatigued, and track any other symptom(s) that feel outside the norm. 

Next, make sure to embrace a healthy lifestyle. This should incorporate some form of strength training exercises and a balanced, calcium-rich diet. It’s also a good idea to limit your consumption of alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco, as this can make some menopause symptoms worse. 

Last, but not least, it’s also a good idea to start taking some form of vitamin or herbal supplement to support your body during this transition. You may not be able to get all the nutrients you need from diet alone. However, there are a number of dietary supplements and natural remedies you can try with clinically proven benefits for managing menopause symptoms. 

When to Consult a Professional About Your Menopause Symptoms

Menopause is not always an easy or straightforward journey, and sometimes you may need some extra support. That’s okay!

You should speak to a doctor if:

• Your symptoms interfere with your day-to-day quality of life and ability to meet expectations.
• Your symptoms are prolonged, severe, and/or persist during postmenopause.
• You have unusual pain and/or vaginal bleeding. 

Your doctor will be able to evaluate your symptoms and provide guidance on potential treatment options. Commonly recommended treatments include:

• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• Antidepressants and/or 
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Treatment will depend on each individual situation.  

Practical Support in Mira’s Hormone Health Clinic for Fertility

Whether you need practical lifestyle guidance or a pep talk ahead of your next doctor’s appointment, we would love to support you in our Hormone Health Clinic. Our experienced hormone health practitioners can help you:

• Understand what to expect throughout the menopause transition
• Interpret your Mira charts in Menopause Transitions Mode 
• Learn about the nutrients and supplements to ease your symptoms
• And so much more!

They can also help you navigate some of the emotional challenges of menopause, so you never have to feel alone or isolated on your journey. 

Final Thoughts

At Mira, we know that the menopause transition can feel a bit strange and sometimes overwhelming. It can be sad to think about your reproductive era coming to an end, and it can also feel like you’re having to navigate life in a completely new body. 

If you are looking for additional information about menopause, the following resources on our website may be helpful: 

• How to Transition into Menopause
• Understanding Perimenopause Symptoms
• The 34 Symptoms of Menopause + 5 Treatments
• The State of Menopause and Career

We also recommend The Menopause Charity, The Menopause Society, and Let’s Talk Menopause for further support and community. 

Frequently Asked Questions