Menopause does not make a grand entry into a woman’s life. There is a series of physical, mental and emotional changes before the onset of menopause. There are no guidebooks to help you recognize the on start of menopause.The changes that take place in the life of a woman are unique in nature and no two women display the same conditions or changes before perimenopause sets in. But the general signs of menopause would be the following.

The most likely stages of menopause to occur would be between 42 and 56. The women tend to lose their fertility; will stop menstruating and these changes are indeed unique as she moves post childbearing phase. But reaching menopause should not mean growing old. In fact you can live your life to the fullest without any worries.

But remember that during menopause the body undergoes several changes.The body’s calcium level gets depleted due to fluctuating hormones and the end result is disease of the bones or osteoporosis. There is loss of immunity and results in heart disease, diabetes and incidental illnesses.

Menopause’s 3 stages

Menopause occurs in three stages. Perimenopause is the first stage. During this stage, there are irregular periods and spotting due to fluctuating hormone levels.There is a general misconception that once you enter this it is impossible to conceive.Conceiving is difficult during this stage is the common belief. Though there is ovulation it is irregular and eggs are released. This stage lasts on an average for five years, with exceptions of up to 15 years. Perimenopause shows hot flashes, irritation and night sweats.

In this second stage there is no menstruation. Around 51 years a woman would begin her second stage called as menopause. But only if menstruation does not occur for a whole year.The general signs of menopause are hot flashes, headaches and mood swings.

The third stage is called as postmenopause. There will not be any hot flashes or night sweats during this stage. But other diseases will raise their heads – osetoporosis, heart diseases and UTI.

In general women are apprehensive and scared about menopause so much that they sometimes overlook the signs of menopause.

Want to find out more about the symptoms of menopause, then visit Josephine Smith’s site on how to identify menopause symptoms for your needs.