Menopause is a major milestone in every woman’s health journey, yet many people don’t realize that menopause is actually a process with multiple phases, not just a single moment in time. Sarasota women experiencing confusing or frustrating symptoms often ask:
What are the five stages of menopause, and how can I navigate them?
This guide breaks down each stage, explains what to expect, and highlights how Dr. Victoria Andarcia at Reveal Vitality can help women feel supported, confident, and healthy through every part of the transition.
What is pre-menopause?
Pre-menopause refers to the years of normal, cyclical menstrual periods before any menopausal transition begins. During pre-menopause, hormone levels typically remain steady, periods come regularly, and there are no menopausal symptoms.
Women in their 20s, 30s, and even early 40s are usually considered pre-menopausal. It’s a great time to build strong foundations in nutrition, stress management, and preventative healthcare so that the menopausal transition goes more smoothly later on.
What is perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the stage leading up to menopause, typically starting in a woman’s mid-to-late 40s, though it can begin earlier. In perimenopause, the ovaries start producing less estrogen and progesterone, and hormone fluctuations can cause a wide range of symptoms, such as:
- Irregular or heavier periods
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Mood swings and irritability
- Sleep problems
- Anxiety or depression
- Changes in sexual desire
- Vaginal dryness
Perimenopause can last anywhere from a few months to up to 10 years. Sarasota women experiencing these symptoms should know they are not alone — and that working with a menopause specialist like Dr. Andarcia can make a big difference.
What is menopause?
Menopause itself is defined as the point in time when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. The average age for menopause in the United States is around 51.
At this stage, the ovaries have greatly reduced hormone production, leading to consistently low estrogen and progesterone. Symptoms that may have started in perimenopause often peak or continue during menopause, including:
- Hot flashes
- Mood changes
- Sleep disturbances
- Vaginal dryness
- Fatigue
- Memory issues
Although menopause is a normal part of aging, the symptoms can be distressing, which is why many Sarasota women seek out specialized support.
What is post-menopause?
Post-menopause begins after the official menopause milestone (12 months without a period) has been reached. At this point, menstrual periods do not return, but low levels of hormones continue to affect the body.
Women in post-menopause are at higher risk for certain health conditions, such as:
- Osteoporosis
- Cardiovascular disease
- Vaginal and urinary changes
- Cognitive shifts
Supporting wellness in post-menopause is crucial to protect long-term health. Dr. Andarcia helps Sarasota women navigate post-menopause with strategies for hormone balance, nutrition, bone health, heart health, and emotional resilience.
What is late post-menopause?
The final stage is sometimes referred to as late post-menopause, usually a decade or more after menopause has begun. During this stage, symptoms like hot flashes often fade, but other health considerations become more important, including:
- Maintaining strong bones
- Preserving heart health
- Supporting memory and brain function
- Managing weight and metabolism
- Optimizing sexual wellness
Women in late post-menopause benefit from ongoing checkups, lab testing, and a strong relationship with a menopause-savvy physician to prevent disease and maintain vitality.
Why is it important to understand these stages?
Knowing these five stages helps Sarasota women:
- Recognize what is normal
- Understand what symptoms to expect
- Seek the right help at the right time
- Avoid feeling confused or alone
- Plan for a smooth transition with fewer surprises
A menopause specialist like Dr. Andarcia can help you navigate every stage with confidence and clear guidance.
How can Dr. Victoria Andarcia support Sarasota women through menopause?
Dr. Andarcia offers Sarasota women a comprehensive, functional, and integrative approach to menopause care, including:
- Listening carefully to each woman’s personal story
- Running advanced hormone and wellness testing
- Discussing treatment options like bioidentical hormone therapy, supplements, and lifestyle changes
- Offering nutrition guidance and stress management support
- Helping with sexual health concerns
- Protecting heart, bone, and brain health long term
Her mission is to empower women to move through each phase of menopause with knowledge, resilience, and a positive outlook.
When should I see a menopause specialist in Sarasota?
You should consider seeing a menopause-focused doctor if you:
- Experience severe hot flashes or night sweats
- Have mood swings or feel depressed
- Struggle with sleep, fatigue, or brain fog
- Notice changes in sexual health or comfort
- Are worried about bone or heart health
- Feel confused about treatment options
Working with a specialist early helps you manage symptoms effectively and protect your future health.
How can I book an appointment with Dr. Victoria Andarcia?
If you are ready to take charge of your menopause journey, you can contact Reveal Vitality in Sarasota to schedule a consultation with Dr. Andarcia. Their team can assist with intake paperwork, lab orders, insurance questions, and planning your visit.
Dr. Victoria Andarcia: Professional Bio
Dr. Victoria Andarcia, MD, is a board-certified physician specializing in integrative and functional medicine. She graduated from American University of the Caribbean for medical school. She completed her Internal Medicine residency at Florida Atlantic University, where she developed her commitment to combining conventional medical science with holistic healing principles.
Dr. Andarcia blends modern medical therapies, bioidentical hormone support, nutrition counseling, and holistic wellness strategies to help women thrive through perimenopause, menopause, and beyond. At Reveal Vitality in Sarasota, she offers compassionate, evidence-based care for women seeking a healthier and more empowered midlife journey.
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Our Approach
Reveal Vitality was birthed out of a passion to change how you approach your health. Instead of just treating symptoms in isolation as they arise, we develop a comprehensive wellness plan for our patients and then help them implement it. Our goal is to help our patients be healthier and live longer.
Other Helpful Links from Reveal Vitality Sarasota:
What Are the 5 Stages of Menopause? A Guide for Sarasota Women
Which Specialist Deals with Menopause in Sarasota? Understanding Your Options
What Are the 5 Stages of Menopause? A Guide for Sarasota Women
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy in Sarasota, Florida: Everything You Need to Know
Reveal Vitality & Longevity Institute, Sarasota FL 