Menopause: The Basics

There is a general lack of knowledge surrounding menopause. This section intends to serve as a jumping off point for learning about the stages, symptoms, and treatment options for this experience.

Menopause Stages

Perimenopause

This is the 2 to 8 years before the end of menstruation. Perimenopause is considered premature if it takes place before 40 years of age.

Menopause

Menopause occurs when 12 months have passed since vaginal bleeding or menstruation. This is an instantaneous moment, but the phrase often is used to refer to the entire experience, before and after.

Postmenopause

This is the time in a person's life after menopause has occurred. On average in the US, this occurs after the age of 51.

Symptoms of Perimenopause

Irregular periods, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, mood changes, brain fog, weight gain, menstruation changes (longer, shorter, heavier, lighter, ect)

Symptoms of Postmenopause

Hot flashes and night sweats, vaginal dryness, depression, changes in sex drive, insomnia, dry skin, weight changes, hair loss, urinary leakage

Questions?

Menopause Hormone Replacement Therapy

In 2002, the Woman’s Health Institute released a groundbreaking study linking menopausal hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, with an increase in strokes, coronary heart disease, and breast cancer. This study received worldwide attention and was used as a foundational document to guide medical education for the following two decades. However, quickly after its initial publication, the Woman’s Health Initiative rescinded their study, and explained that actually women who took hormones in their 50s had a 30% lower risk of dying. But the press releases had already been made, and the damage had already been done.

The average age of the women in the study was 63, despite HRT not being recommended for women over 60. In addition, a standard dosage of HRT was given to all of the patients, rather than tailoring doses to individual bodies and symptoms. There remains a serious lack of research surrounding menopause, and the information we do have is shadowed by misinformation and doubt. Immediately following the release of the WHI study, doctors took their patients off of the treatment and according to Hone Health in November 2025, HRT went from being used by 40% of menopausal women, to 20%, and finally to a mere 5% today.

In reality, HRT can be incredibly beneficial for many menopausal people, but the prevailing stigma around it prevents many people from even having it given as an option.

Other Treatments

As a reminder, menopause treatment is something that should be decided on with a healthcare professional, but here are a few options that commonly help relieve symptoms. Mayo Clinic Source

Natural Options

Many people find herbal supplements helpful. Even simply dieting and exercising to keep your body in the best shape as it goes through changes can have serious benefits.

Prasterone (Intrarosa)

Prasterone has been shown to help with vaginal dryness and discomfort.

Antidepressants

Low doses of medication to help with depression can ease the mental symptoms associated with menopause.

Gabapentin (Gralise, Neurontin)

Gabapentin is commonly used to treat seizures, but it can also help with hot flashes.