Natural menopause is identified after twelve consecutive months without a period, when there is no other cause to explain its absence. Changes may begin years earlier, during perimenopause. Understanding this transition can help you recognize what you’re experiencing and seek guidance when you need it. At La Maleta Roja, we talk about it in our talks so you can go through this stage with more information and less fear.
Menopause does not mean the end of desire or of being a woman. Every experience is different: some women have few symptoms, while others need support with sleep, hot flashes, intimate well-being, or other symptoms.
Why getting informed early can help
Hormonal changes can affect your menstrual cycle, sleep, mood, and vaginal tissue. Bone health and the pelvic floor also deserve attention, but not all changes are due to menopause, and not all women need the same care.
Preparing does not mean avoiding all symptoms or that you’ve done something wrong if they occur. It’s about learning about your options, maintaining healthy habits, and seeking support when you need it.
How to recognize the transition
During perimenopause, you may experience:
- Changes in how often your period comes or what it’s like.
- Hot flashes or night sweats.
- Difficulty sleeping.
- Mood changes.
- Intimate dryness or discomfort during sex.
These symptoms alone do not confirm that you are at this stage. Urinary leakage, pain, and changes in bleeding should also be assessed rather than automatically attributed to age.
To learn more about the transition years, read our guide on what perimenopause is and when it begins.
Practical tips
- You don’t need to use intimate moisturizers preventively if you’re not experiencing discomfort. If you develop dryness, ask which product and regimen are right for you. An oil for external use is not a substitute for a vaginal moisturizer.
- If you experience leakage, pain, or a feeling of pressure, seek an assessment of your pelvic floor. Not all women need strengthening exercises; in some cases, the focus should be on relaxation or coordination.
- Look after your bone health with a varied diet and physical activity adapted to you, including strength exercises if appropriate. Ask for advice before taking calcium or vitamin D supplements.
- Pay attention to your sleep and share any symptoms affecting your daily life with your healthcare professional.
- Talk to your partner and the people around you if that helps. You don’t have to go through this transition in silence.
- Enjoy your sexuality however you like, with a partner or on your own, without turning it into an obligation to look after your body. If an activity hurts, stop and seek advice if the discomfort persists.
Between us
At our talks, those who come in already experiencing menopause often say they wish they’d known all this sooner. Those who come in their early 40s write it all down and leave with a plan.
Menopause isn’t an ending: it’s a stage you can prepare for, just as you prepare for any major change in your life. It’s time to take care, not to worry.
Frequently asked questions
At what age does menopause begin?
The age varies from woman to woman. If your period stops before age 45, it’s worth consulting a healthcare professional to assess the cause and appropriate follow-up.
When are you considered to be in menopause?
In natural menopause, after twelve consecutive months without a period and with no other cause to explain it. Hormonal contraceptives, some treatments, and other circumstances can make it difficult to identify menopause based on bleeding, so medical guidance may be needed.
Can I get pregnant during perimenopause?
Yes. You may ovulate even if your periods are irregular. Hormone therapy for menopause symptoms is not a contraceptive. Ask when you can stop using contraception based on your age, the method you use, and your circumstances.
Is bleeding after menopause normal?
Any bleeding after menopause should be assessed, even if it’s light or happens only once. Don’t simply attribute it to dryness or friction during sex.
Does menopause always cause weight gain?
No. Weight and fat distribution can change with age and the hormonal transition, but this does not happen the same way for everyone. Diet, physical activity, sleep, and other factors also play a role.
Does vaginal discharge disappear during menopause?
It may change or decrease, and dryness may also occur. Vaginal discharge and lubrication during arousal are not the same thing. Seek advice about persistent changes, an unusual odor, itching, or bleeding.
How can I prepare for menopause?
By getting informed, maintaining healthy habits, and discussing any symptoms that concern you with a healthcare professional. You don’t need to buy products or follow a special intimate care routine if you’re not experiencing discomfort. Care and treatments should be tailored to you.
