What Is Menopause?

Menopause is a significant transition from a person's reproductive to a non-reproductive stage.

Many people go through this change in their 40s or earlier (see Premature & Early Menopause section), while others experience it later in life.

Those born with ovaries are born with all of their eggs, around two to four million of them. These eggs start to deplete from puberty onwards through menstrual cycles. Once the eggs are depleted, the hormonal feedback loop of the menstrual cycle is disrupted until it eventually ceases. Usually, by the time we reach adulthood and are thinking about fertility, there are only around 4% of egg cells left. Hence why babies are called little miracles.

Perimenopause, Menopause, and Post-menopause.

The complete cessation of the menstrual cycle can take a considerable amount of time, often up to 15 years. The term peri-menopause or perimenopausal is used to describe the transitional phase leading up to the event when periods finally stop. This is considered the most symptomatic stage of the menopausal cycle and where prior knowledge of what is about to come is really important and hugely necessary. ‘Armed and ready,’ instead of being ‘caught off guard.’

Menopause is officially recognized after 12 consecutive months without bleeding. Subsequently, it is referred to as post-menopause for the remainder of a person’s life.

Why Do We Experience Symptoms?

Our body chemistry is like a jigsaw puzzle with specific pieces fitting together. When the dimensions aren't right, the picture becomes disorganized. Hormones are most definitely in the driving seat, Oestrogen, Progesterone, Testosterone, FSH, Cortisol playing havoc with you. What do they all do? How can we be diagnosed? What can we do to help get them in check?

I would love to share with you everything I have learnt…