Understanding the menopause: 50% of the population will experience menopause

The fact that menopause can last for so long and happens to 50 per cent of the population, it is hard to believe that only recently the conversation about menopause and women’s hormonal wellbeing in general has opened up across the nation.

For most women the menopause is a gradual process and one that encompasses a whole host of physical and physiological changes to the body. The menopause, which is often described as a woman’s second spring, is when a woman’s period ceases, and she’s no longer able to conceive and reproduce naturally.  A woman is said to be in menopause when she hasn’t had a period for a year or more.

On average, the menopause, which is a natural biological transition, occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 and on average it can last up to four years.

Every woman’s menopause journey differs; some women sail through it while others really struggle with this stage of their life. Thankfully the conversation is opening and through this conversation women are gaining valuable knowledge to help them navigate this period of their lives. Every woman is different so by educating themselves on the different options available they are taking the power back and getting the help that suits them. Be it HRT, food supplementation, diet, lifestyle and exercise or a combination of some or all of the above women now have many options available to them.

When does the menopause start?

Officially a woman isn’t in menopause until she has ceased to have a period for one year or more.  Typically, women experience the menopause between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average age being 51.

However, every woman is different and for some it can occur before the age of 40, this is called primary ovarian insufficiency. Other women may experience it early on due to surgery such as a hysterectomy, while other women may continue to have menstrual cycles well into their late fifties.

How long does the menopause last?

Officially the menopause last only one day, this day occurs once a woman has gone 12 months without a period. Once this day has passed women enter post menopause for the rest of their lives.

But generally people refer to the post menopause stage as menopause so to avoid any further confusion we will do the same.

The menopause can last an average of four years, however every woman’s menopause journey is unique and some women can experience the menopause for up to 10 years, and often these experiences can be both physical and psychological.

What is the difference between perimenopause and menopause?

Perimenopause is the transition from a woman’s fertile years into her infertile years.  Perimenopause takes place when a woman’s menstrual cycle becomes irregular but does not stop entirely.

Perimenopause is the phase before the menopause begins and signals the start of a woman’s biological transition. The perimenopause usually happens to women in their 40s, although it can occur earlier. During perimenopause, a woman’s hormonal levels fluctuate and affect every system in the body. While a woman will continue to have a menstrual cycle, the frequency and duration becomes unpredictable but the menstrual cycle will not come to an end during this phase.

The menopause occurs once a woman hasn’t had a menstrual cycle for 12 consecutive months. This usually happens to women in their late 40s and early 50s, with 51 being the average age for menopause. However, for some women it may occur as early as 40, or even earlier.

Meno Active

Several years ago, Revive Active identified a lack of supplementation options for women experiencing menopause and earlier this year they proudly brought Meno Active to market. Meno Active is a super supplement formulated with a comprehensive blend of 30 vitamins, minerals, omega 3 DHA, digestive enzymes, plant extracts and strains of live friendly bacteria. This comprehensive formula aims to support women’s hormonal activity, brain and psychological function, nervous system and energy throughout their menopausal journey.

Meno Active has been scientifically formulated as a super supplement using a powdered sachet and capsule combination for women to take during their menopausal journey.

Each sachet of ingredients creates a citrus-flavoured drink when mixed with water. Each capsule contains three plant extracts - Ashwagandha, Sage and Green Tea - which can sometimes taste a little bitter in a powder format. That’s why they are best swallowed in a capsule with a glass of water.

It is recommended to take the sachet and capsule together at any time of the day, preferably 30 minutes before food by simply mixing the sachet with 250ml of water and stirring to dissolve.

To coincide with the launch of Meno Active, a group of powerful women have come on board to encourage open conversation around menopause. They speak frankly and honestly about dealing with menopause in various situations from the boardroom to experience with clients in clinic and in pharmacy, the psychological impact and the impact it can have on the skin. These women are Norah Casey, who is a businesswomen and entrepreneur, Allison Keating, chartered psychologist, Triona McCarthy beauty expert, Caoilfhionn Collins, pharmacist, and Dr Fiona Barry PhD, who was a member of the Meno Active formulation team.

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