Premenopause, Perimenopause and Menopause: How they Differ and More?
You may be familiar with the term Menopause but do you know what premenopause is? How about perimenopause? These terms all describe gradual changes in the female reproduction cycle when a woman’s reproductive years come to an end. Each of these stages can last several years and are a natural part of aging.
Premenopause is often used interchangeably with perimenopause, but they are two different menopausal stages. Premenouse is the time before any menopausal symptoms begin. Those in the premenopause stage may still get their periods and are considered to be within their reproductive years.
Perimenopause is the stage before menopause officially occurs. You may still have periods and become pregnant, but your periods may become more irregular before they stop. Perimenopause is marked by a drop in oestrogen, the hormone produced by a woman’s ovaries. These hormonal changes are what cause menopausal symptoms.
Menopause is when a woman goes 12 months without a menstrual period and usually occurs in a woman’s early 50’s. Once a woman has reached menopause, her female reproduction cycle is at an end and she will no longer be able to naturally conceive a child. The stage after this is called postmenopause.
Symptoms of menopause often begin during the perimenopause phase and can continue for several years.
Common menopausal symptoms include:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Insomnia
- Vaginal dryness
- Anxiety or depression
- Reduced sex drive
Every woman is different, but symptoms of menopause typically last around 4 years. As these symptoms can have a negative impact on a woman’s daily life, medications have been developed to help ease the severity of the symptoms. These medications have also been shown to help reduce the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease in postmenopausal women.
Evorel Patches
Evorel is a type of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that comes in the form of a patch. It gradually releases estradiol, a synthetic hormone that imitates oestrogen into the body. Within a few weeks of starting Evorel, symptoms of menopause should begin to decrease.
Estradot Patches
Estradot is another brand of HRT patches used for menopause. They are similar to Evorel but are smaller in size.
If you are suffering from menopausal symptoms, visit Pharmacy Planet today to purchase Estradot Patches and Evorel Patches online in the UK. Pharmacy Planet is a trusted online pharmacy that can have your medications shipped discreetly to your doorstep.
Authored By
HARMINDER ‘HARMY’ KAUR
BSc(hons) Pharmacy
GPhC Number: 2061107
Reviewed By
GURDEV SEHMI
BSc Pharm, MRPharmS, Independent Prescriber, Superintendent Pharmacist, Clinical Lead
GPhC Number: 2050925