Menopause vs. Perimenopause: Myths, misconceptions, signs women should know

MANILA, Philippines — Just like knowing everything about their first menstrual period, females should also know and be ready for Menopause especially when they hit 40.

The monthly "dalaw" or period marks a girl’s transition into her exciting teenage years and later into the challenging adulthood. It is a rite of passage that would denote that she could bear a child or children. 

But in the same breath, she must be reminded that there will come a time that this gift of childbearing will come to an end. It comes in three stages, and does not immediately hit all at once when a woman comes to age at 40. 

Gynecologist and female wellness advocate Dr. Annebelle Aherrera told Philstar.com in an email interview about the changes, stages and misconceptions that surround Menopause and its relative term, Perimenopause. 

The doctor was among the panelists at last November’s “Don’t Pause for Menopause” forum, held by advocacy-based skincare and wellness brand ProAge. 

Most would probably be familiar with the term Menopause, which the doctor said refers to the end of menstration. Menopause can be confirmed when a woman does not have her menstrual period for six to 12 consecutive months. 

The doctor clarified that most people who call the phase leading to the actual end of the period is a completely different relative term. 

“What women call as Menopause is actually the Perimenopausal phase that is years before the actual cessation of menses (menopause). This phase can last about five to 10 years, which can start as early as 40 years up to the cessation of menses (anywhere around 55 years),” Dr. Aherrera explained. 

The doctor advocate said that the phase is dominated by anxiety, forgetfulness or even fatigue. 

“They call this midlife and is a natural stage in a woman’s life. As natural as when you start your menstrual period when you were a teen and as complex and puzzling as the start of puberty or if you recall when you’ve were an adolescent,” she said.

This transition phase is called Climacterium, which is part of the three stages of Menopause and occurs 15 to 20 years prior to the actual end of the menses. 

The Perimenopausal years are characterized by well-known symptoms