Understanding Menopause: More Than a Hormonal Shift

Menopause is not a single moment, but a transition—a winding, often nonlinear path through perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. It begins when hormone levels—all of them, but primarily estrogen and progesterone—begin to fluctuate, usually in our 40s, though symptoms may begin earlier or due to a medical procedure. A woman is considered menopausal when she has not had an active bleed for 12 consecutive months. The average age of menopause in the US is 52.
 

This biological change affects every system of the body: sleep, memory, energy, appetite, temperature regulation, and emotional balance. But it’s not just a physical event. It touches the psyche, spirit, and social fabric of our lives.
 

While every experience is unique, many people in perimenopause or menopause report:

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• Mood changes, irritability, anxiety, or depression

• Sleep disturbances, especially waking in the early hours

• Brain fog, forgetfulness, and difficulty concentrating

• Hot flashes, night sweats, and temperature dysregulation

• Fatigue that doesn’t resolve with rest

• Vaginal dryness, libido shifts, and pelvic discomfort

• Increased sensitivity to stress and overstimulation

• A sense of grief, loss, or disconnection from self

• Weight gain and slowed metabolism

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This is not a complete list, because menopause can touch everything. From how you parent, to how you show up at work, to how you feel in your body and soul. It’s not all hard, but it is often complex.

 

Understanding what’s happening inside your body is the first act of self-compassion. You’re not "losing it." You’re changing—deeply and meaningfully.

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