Menopause Milestone: Embracing Your New Normal

Reaching menopause marks a significant milestone in a woman’s life. It’s a time of transformation that comes with both challenges and opportunities. Menopause marks the point when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a period. While the average age for reaching menopause is 52 in the United States, women can start transitioning into menopause between 45 – 55 ¹.

The Transition Period: Perimenopause

Before reaching menopause, women experience perimenopause, typically beginning in their 30s or 40s. This transition can last 2 to 8 years and average about four years. During this time,  hormone levels fluctuate significantly. You might notice changes in your menstrual cycle, with periods becoming irregular, shorter, or longer than usual. This is normal, though any unusual bleeding patterns should be discussed with your doctor ².

Pregnancy and Menopause: What You Should Know

One common question we receive at e.p.t.: “Can I still get pregnant during menopause?” The answer is complex. During perimenopause, pregnancy is still possible, though less likely as ovulation becomes irregular. Once you’ve reached true menopause, natural pregnancy is no longer possible. However, if you’ve gone without a period for less than 12 months and are sexually active, using a reliable pregnancy test like e.p.t. Analog Pregnancy Test is a good idea if you experience possible pregnancy symptoms. Talk with your doctor about birth control options if you are still getting occasional periods to prevent pregnancy ³.

Beyond Reproduction: Whole-Body Effects

The hormonal changes of menopause and perimenopause affect more than just your reproductive system. Many women experience changes in skin elasticity, bone density, heart health, and even cognitive function. The symptoms vary and can be different for each woman.

After menopause, your risk of certain conditions increases, including:

1. Heart and blood vessel disease, as declining estrogen levels remove some cardiovascular protection
2. Osteoporosis, with bone density decreasing rapidly during the first 4-8 years after menopause
3. Urinary incontinence and vaginal changes, which can affect comfort and sexual function
4. Sleep disturbances, often exacerbated by night sweats

Managing Menopausal Symptoms

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is one choice for managing severe menopausal symptoms, but it’s not right for everyone. Many women find relief through lifestyle changes. This can include diet, exercise, and supplements. However, be sure to work with your doctor in managing your symptoms.

For vaginal dryness, over-the-counter vaginal moisturizers and lubricants can give relief without hormones. These products can be used every 2-3 days as needed, with lubricants specifically helpful during sexual intercourse.

Healthy Habits for the Menopausal Years

Maintaining good health after menopause requires attention to several key areas:

1. Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D supports bone health
2. Regular exercise: Weight-bearing exercises like walking help bone density, while strength training builds muscle mass and helps prevent falls
3. Don’t smoke: Smoking increases the risk of heart disease
4. Control high blood pressure: Whether through lifestyle changes or medication, it can help reduce your heart disease risk.
5. Reduce stress: Try relaxation methods or massage to help reduce stress in your life
6. Routine healthcare: Annual check-ups become even more important to check for conditions that become more common after menopause ⁴

Embracing a New Chapter

Menopause can also be a time of personal rediscovery and growth. Many women report feeling a new sense of freedom and purpose after menopause. Some women experience more stable moods and energy levels without the physical and emotional changes from having monthly cycles. Embrace this new chapter and the wisdom that comes with it. Your best years may still be ahead!

The World Health Organization ⁵ notes that, “menopause can offer an important opportunity to reassess one’s health, lifestyle, and goals.” With women living longer, post-menopausal life makes up a large part of a woman’s journey.

Remember that while menopause is universal, each woman’s experience is unique. If you’re struggling with difficult symptoms, don’t hesitate to speak with your doctor about personalized management options.

1. Office on Women’s Health. (2025, March 17). Menopause Basics. Retrieved from Office on Women’s Health: https://womenshealth.gov/menopause/menopause-basics
2. Cleveland Clinic. (2024, August 8). Perimenopause. Retrieved from Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21608-perimenopause
3. Glazier, MD, E. M., & Ko, MD, E. (2023, April 10). Pregnancy still possible during perimenopause. Retrieved from UCLA Health: https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/pregnancy-still-possible-during-perimenopause
4. John Hopkins Health. (2025, June 26). Staying Healthy After Menopause. Retrieved from John Hopkins Medicine: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/staying-healthy-after-menopause  
5. World Health Organization. (2024, October 16). Menopause. Retrieved from World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/menopause