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RESOURCES
Menopause Society of Nova Scotia has curated these resources to help individuals, employers and the community in navigating the topics of perimenopause, menopause and ways to offer support.
Menopause: A Unique Journey
Menopause can be confusing, as no two individuals experience it in exactly the same way. Many are unsure when perimenopause begins, and menopause can occur naturally, due to surgery, or as a result of medical treatment. It can happen early or late, and progress gradually or suddenly. The menopause transition is unique to each individual—it’s not a one-size-fits-all experience.
Perimenopause
Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, characterized by fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels. It typically begins in the 40s, though it can start earlier or later.
This phase can last anywhere from 4 to 10+ years and is when many individuals may experience the most noticeable symptoms, which tend to intensify as they approach menopause.
Understanding perimenopause is key to managing the changes that come with this natural life stage.
Menopause
Menopause is official when 12 consecutive months have passed without a period. If menstruation stops for several months and then resumes, the countdown to menopause starts over.
The average age of menopause is 51, but it can vary. On average, Black and Latina individuals experience menopause about two years earlier than white and Asian individuals.
Postmenopause
Postmenopause refers to the time after an individual has officially reached menopause. For many, symptoms begin to subside during this phase, but it's important to remain mindful of long-term health risks, including cardiovascular disease, bone loss, and changes in vaginal, sexual, and urinary health.
On average, people live about 30 years after menopause, and many report this stage of life as one of the happiest and most fulfilling times.
Types of Menopause
Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI): POI occurs when a person’s ovaries stop functioning properly before age 40, and it can even begin as early as the teen years.
Early Menopause: Early menopause occurs when periods cease between the ages of 40 and 45.
Natural Menopause: The majority of people experience menopause naturally, typically occurring when the final menstrual period happens between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average age being 51.
Late Menopause: Late menopause is when a person has their final period after age 55.
Medical Menopause: Caused by medical treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, or ovarian suppression therapy, medical menopause occurs suddenly after treatment, unlike the gradual transition of natural menopause. This often results in more intense menopause symptoms.
Surgical Menopause: Surgical menopause occurs immediately after a bilateral oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries) or a radical hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and ovaries). Since the hormone-producing organs are removed, individuals who experience surgical menopause often face more severe symptoms due to the abrupt hormonal shift.