Menopause 101: What every woman (and everyone who loves one) should know
The more I talk with people about menopause, the more I realize how much information is missing—and how much confusion still exists.
Menopause is not just a “women’s issue.”
It’s a life stage that affects families, workplaces, relationships, and overall well-being. Most of us have a woman in our life—a partner, mother, sister, friend, colleague—and understanding this transition helps us better support one another.
Let’s break it down simply.
What is Menopause?
Menopause is a natural biological transition—not a disease or condition to “fix.”
It’s often described as a phase, but clinically, menopause is actually one single day:
the point when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual cycle.
Everything leading up to that day—and everything after—matters just as much.
You may have heard menopause referred to as “reverse puberty,” and in many ways, that’s accurate. The body is shifting hormonally in a way that impacts nearly every system.
The Stages of Menopause
1. Premenopause (Reproductive Years)
This is the stage from puberty through the onset of perimenopause.
Hormones are cycling regularly, menstruation is consistent, and fertility is present. There’s a wealth of information about this stage, but very little preparation for what comes next.
2. Perimenopause (The Transition Years)
Perimenopause is where the real shift begins—and where many women feel confused or dismissed.
This stage can begin as early as the mid to late 30s, though it’s more commonly recognized in the 40s. Hormones like estrogen and progesterone begin to fluctuate (not just decline), which can create a wide range of symptoms.
Commonly recognized symptoms include:
Irregular cycles
Hot flashes
Night sweats
But what’s often overlooked are symptoms like:
Brain fog
Mood changes or anxiety
Sleep disruption
Dry eyes
Joint pain or frozen shoulder
Changes in metabolism
This list is far from complete—and that’s exactly the point.
Many women don’t realize these symptoms can be hormone related. As a result, they may feel confused, dismissed, or told “everything looks normal.”
This is where education becomes powerful.
When you can recognize patterns and articulate what’s happening in your body, you’re better equipped to seek the right kind of support.
3. Menopause (The Milestone Day)
Menopause is confirmed once a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a period.
Because of this, you only know you’ve reached menopause in hindsight.
This marks the end of reproductive capability, but it is not the end of vitality, strength, or well-being.
4. Post menopause (The Rest of the Story)
Post menopause begins after that 12-month mark and continues for the rest of a woman’s life.
This stage can last one-third or more of your life, yet it’s often the least discussed.
With lower levels of estrogen, women may experience changes in:
Bone density
Muscle mass
Joint health
Cardiovascular health
Metabolism
This is not a time to “accept decline”—it’s a time to shift strategy.
With the right support, women can build strength, resilience, and long-term health in this phase.
Why Support Matters More Than Ever
One of the biggest gaps I see is this: Women are experiencing real symptoms—but they don’t always have the right team around them to connect the dots.
Menopause is not one-size-fits-all, and neither is the support.
Working with professionals who understand this stage of life can make a significant difference. This may include:
Medical providers trained in menopause care
Nutrition professionals who understand metabolic changes
Fitness professionals who adapt training for hormone shifts
Coaches who help integrate sustainable lifestyle practices
As a Girls Gone Strong (GGS) Menopause Coaching Specialist, I work with women to help them:
Understand what’s happening in their bodies
Build sustainable habits around nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress
Advocate for themselves in medical settings
Feel stronger, more energized, and more in control of their health
Because this transition isn’t something you’re meant to navigate alone—and it’s not something you just have to “get through.”
Final Thoughts
Menopause is not the end of something, it’s a transition into a new phase of life that deserves attention, education, and support.
The more we talk about it, the more we normalize it.
The more we understand it, the more empowered we become.
And that changes everything.
If this list feels familiar, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
I offer personalized menopause coaching to help you understand your body, reduce symptoms, and build a plan that works for your life. Every woman is unique and the strategy to address your highest good should be unique as well. We all deserve to be heard, understood, and the opportunity to live our best life including feeling our best. You are worth it!
