What do you mean… Menopause?
A Clear, Honest Overview of tranistioning hormones.
What Actually Is Menopause?
Menopause is not a disease, decline or “the end.” It’s a natural transition that every woman will experience if she lives long enough. Technically, menopause is defined as the point when you’ve gone 12 consecutive months without a period. The average age is around 51, but the transition: perimenopause: can start anywhere from your mid-30s to mid-40s.
Perimenopause is where the real chaos tends to show up: irregular cycles, hot flushes, night sweats, sleep issues, mood swings, brain fog and shifts in metabolism. After your final period (12 months without menstruation) the body slowly adapts to a new hormonal baseline. This stage is called post-menopause.
The significance of this change
Menopause is a profound biological and cultural shift. Humans are thought to be one of only a few mammals known to experience menopause (alongside orcas, narwhals and beluga whales). In nature, this transition frees older females from reproduction so they can take on new roles: guiding, teaching and ensuring the survival of the next generations. In many cultures, this stage has been revered as a time of rising wisdom and influence.
Rather than being seen as a decline, menopause can be understood as a reorientation: a shift into strength, clarity and leadership that draws on lived experience as much as biology.
WTF happens with my Hormones?
Estrogen
Drops unevenly, causing most of the classic symptoms. Estrogen receptors are everywhere, so the shift affects how our body, mind and spirit feel.
Its job has been to help protect bones, brain, skin and heart.
The new way forward: While estradiol (the main reproductive estrogen) declines, other forms like estrone and estriol take on more of the work. Supporting liver detox, gut health and switching to plant-based phytoestrogen-based foods (tempeh, tofu) helps the body adapt to this new balance. Healthy levels of Testosterone also support post menopause estrogen levels.
Progesterone
Falls earlier and faster than estrogen, which impacts sleep, mood and anxiety. This is often why perimenopause feels so turbulent.
The new way forward: Even though progesterone is no longer produced monthly in the same way, the body learns to find calm through nervous system practices, rest and steady blood sugar. Herbs and micronutrients can also support natural GABA pathways for deeper sleep and less anxiety.
Testosterone
Also declines, affecting energy, muscle strength, brain, bones and libido. It can feel like the spark has dimmed.
The new way forward: Movement, strength training and healthy fats help keep testosterone active. The adrenal glands continue to produce small amounts, and lifestyle choices: especially reducing stress load: protect this supply.
Find out more about testosterone in this post The T Word. It’s worthwhile getting informed so you can educate your GP on what you may need to ensure your best health and wellness.
FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)
As the ovaries slow down, the brain sends stronger messages to encourage them to release eggs and make estrogen. Those signals come in the form of Follicle Stimulating Hormone, or FSH. Rising FSH is a clear sign that the brain and ovaries are in transition - the body’s way of saying, “we’re changing gears.”