What Are the Benefits of Perimenopause and Menopause?

We could talk endlessly about the tougher parts of perimenopause: hot flashes and night sweats, wonky periods, the mood swings… But what about the benefits of perimenopause and menopause? What is GOOD about perimenopause?

Coming to the end of your reproductive years can bring up a lot of emotion. By some (older) standards, your “usefulness” as a woman is ending. Fortunately, our society is turning that myth on its head. The way we think about menopause is changing for the better.

There are actually a lot of positives to perimenopause. The perimenopause transition is a time of liberation and self-discovery.

Let’s celebrate our menopause era!

Physical Advantages of Menopause

There are a number of physical benefits to menopause, most obvious being the end of your menstrual cycle. After years (decades) of managing your cycle – the PMS, bleeding, mood swings, bloating, cramps, or whatever – your periods are coming to an end. 

Once you hit the official menopause milestone – 12 months without a menstrual period – you’re done. With that, come other positive effects of menopause: 

• No risk of unplanned pregnancy: You also don’t have to manage or stress about birth control options.
  But it’s still possible to get pregnant during the perimenopause transition! Since periods can be wonky during this time, it’s extra important to use contraception. Doctors recommend using birth control until it’s confirmed you’ve reached menopause to avoid unplanned pregnancy.

• PMS symptoms and cramps take a back seat: This doesn’t need much explanation. Once your period ends, so do the PMS symptoms that come along with it.

• Hormones stabilize: From puberty to pregnancy, through childbirth and the hormone changes of perimenopause, it’s like you’ve been riding the world’s longest roller coaster. Finally, after menopause, your estrogen and progesterone levels will settle. Even hormone levels means less mood swings, bloating, etc.

• Less pain: Many women experience migraines and headache symptoms tied to their cycle. Additionally, if you suffer from uterine fibroids or endometriosis, symptoms tend to go away. The Cleveland Clinic reported uterine fibroids typically shrink and symptoms disappear. Good riddance. 

Self-Discovery: A New Chapter

The average life expectancy for a woman in the US is 81. Women typically go through perimenopause in their 40s or 50s, so you have decades – perhaps even half a lifetime left to enjoy post-menopause. 

This is the perfect time to discover who you are now, seek out new interests, set boundaries, and take advantage of a refreshed zest for life. Think about it:

You get your body to yourself: If you are a parent, you’re no longer pregnant or nursing. You’re out of the baby phase, and your kid(s) are becoming more and more independent. Perhaps they’re teens or even young adults. Your body once again belongs to you and only you. 

And after so many years of caregiving and stretching yourself for others, you might realize it’s time to set some boundaries. Enjoy this new opportunity. Our expert Alecia Greenlee, MD and reproductive psychiatrist, explains why setting boundaries is key to personal empowerment in this phase of life. 

A few other benefits that will (probably!) improve your quality of life: 

• An increase in pleasure: You probably operated with an impacted sex drive for years. From feeling too tired and burnt out in the early stages of life with kids, to a lack of desire thanks to a lack of estrogen in perimenopause, sex may have taken a back seat. You may notice an increased sex drive as your hormones even out in menopause.There is a newfound freedom in having sex without worrying about pregnancy or birth control. (Of course, safe sex and preventing sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, is still important.) You may also, simply, have more time to create a more pleasurable experience.

• A renewed focus on yourself: Now that your kids don’t need you to handle everything you have more time for yourself. Maybe you’re drawn back to an old hobby that fell by the wayside in your busiest days. Or you’re interested in getting back into working out, or simply figuring out your clothing style in this phase of life. Take time to take care of you.

• Increased confidence: This might have more to do with age and experience than menopause. But so many women share that they feel “more like themselves” than ever in this stage of life. You’re possibly also well-established in a career, with a partner, with friends and family. You have the life experience now to know WHO you are, WHAT you stand for, and WHY. Celebrate that!

• You give fewer Fs: Peer pressure. Keeping up with the Joneses. Chasing trends. Been there, done that. Don’t care to do it again. Ask yourself: are you wearing that trendy (uncomfortable, expensive) “it” shoe because you want to look cool, or because you love having your toes squished by pricy leather?

  After a lifetime of striving and worrying about what others think, you finally realize that THAT doesn’t matter. You know yourself, what’s important to you (and your family), what kind of company you want to keep. And what kind of shoes to wear.

Dr. Greenlee shares more about the freedom that comes with the clarity of aging:

Did an invisible weight just lift off your shoulders? Menopause can do that for you. 

Are Menopause Symptoms Holding You Back?

But what if your menopause symptoms are really intense and keep you from enjoying the benefits of this new stage? Talk with your doctor – he or she can rule out possible health conditions and help you understand your symptoms and get you the care you need, including menopause hormone therapy. 

Don’t have an OB-GYN you love? The Menopause Society (formerly the North American Menopause Society), is a nonprofit that provides education to healthcare providers on the menopause transition. You can search for a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP) to help you during your menopause transition. 

Remember, everyone experiences menopause in different ways and on different timelines. 

Do your best to stay physically active (Menovation has TONS of workouts, including strength, pilates, yoga, and more), and eat a nutritious diet full of protein, fiber, and veggies to keep you well-fueled. Spend time with family and friends, and make the most of this season of life. 

How Menovation Can Help

We are here at Menovation to help support and empower you through your perimenopause sleep issues and beyond. It features exercises, nutrition plans, and education for improved well-being, reduced symptoms, and inspiring self-care for confidence and vitality. Then tell a friend – we are trying to keep the lines of communication about perimenopause open, right?
As always, talk to a doctor or mental health professional about your experience. Be sure to reach out to a professional for additional support, especially if you are experiencing severe symptoms, want to explore hormone therapy, or have other health concerns.

Take the “What stage am I in?” quiz here to find out what stage of perimenopause or menopause you are in and receive a free guide to help you feel your best during that time!

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