Every woman deserves clear, accurate information about menopause. Instead of seeing it as something to overcome, we view menopause as an empowering transition that brings new opportunities for self-discovery and personal growth.

Whether you’re experiencing symptoms, simply want to better understand what’s happening to your body, or are supporting a loved one, this article covers key terms, anatomical changes, and symptoms related to menopause.

Menopause is more than just the end of menstruation. It’s a natural phase of life that brings changes and growth. Understanding key terms can help you make sense of what your body is experiencing.

• Premenopause: The entire timeframe before menopause, from childhood through reproductive years.
• Perimenopause: The transition leading up to menopause where hormones fluctuate and symptoms may begin to emerge. It may begin in your late 30s or early 40s and can progress gradually or abruptly.
• Menopause: Officially diagnosed after 12 months without a period, typically around age 51, though timing varies.
• Postmenopause: Commonly used to refer to the time after a woman has not had a period for 12 months. However, many specialists now simply refer to the ongoing state as “menopausal.”

• Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM): Formerly “vaginal atrophy,” GSM includes changes in the genital and urinary tract stemming from decreased estrogen. Symptoms include vaginal dryness, burning, discomfort during sex, and urinary issues like urgency and UTIs.
• Vasomotor Symptoms (VMS): Hot flashes and night sweats caused by hormonal fluctuations, which are often early indicators of menopause.

As hormones decline, changes occur throughout the body, not just in reproductive organs. Learning more about your body's evolution empowers you to take positive steps to feel your best.

There are estrogen receptors throughout our body, so it makes sense that declining hormones—estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone—can have effects throughout our body, some of which may go undetected. It’s also important to acknowledge that while vasomotor symptoms will ultimately diminish, other symptoms will continue to worsen, many of them silently, when left untreated.

Recognizing these anatomical shifts can help you take proactive steps to feel your best:

• Ovaries shrink and stop releasing eggs, causing fertility decline.
• Uterine lining thins.
• Vaginal tissues lose elasticity and natural lubrication.

• Bladder and urethra become less elastic, leading to urgency or incontinence.
• Pelvic floor muscles may weaken, contributing to stress incontinence.
• UTIs may become more frequent.

• Metabolism slows due to declining estrogen, causing weight gain.
• Fat redistributes to the abdomen and can raise insulin resistance.
• Blood sugar levels may fluctuate.

• Low estrogen can lead to bone loss, increasing the risk of osteoporosis.
• Calcium absorption decreases, weakening bones.
• Joint pain and stiffness become more common.

• Estrogen helps blood vessel flexibility; its decline raises heart disease risk.
• Cholesterol levels shift: LDL “bad” cholesterol rises, and HDL “good” cholesterol may drop.
• Blood pressure may rise.

• Mood swings, anxiety, or depression can surface as hormones shift.
• Sleep disturbances are common and impact overall energy and well-being.
• Memory lapses and concentration issues (“meno fog”) are common.

• Reduction in collagen causes thinner, less elastic skin.
• Skin can become drier and prone to irritation.
• Hair thinning or shedding can increase.

You’re not alone in experiencing menopause symptoms. Understanding how common they are can help you feel more connected during this stage in life.

• Up to 80% of women experience vasomotor symptoms, which can last 7-10 years (much longer than many realize).
• Around 60% of women report sleep disturbances and nearly 40% experience mood changes during the menopausal transition.
• Genitourinary symptoms affect roughly 50% of menopausal women, yet only a small fraction seek treatment due to stigma or lack of awareness.
• Less than 10% of women with GSM are receiving meaningful prescription treatment.
• 20% of women go 12+ months of experiencing symptoms before receiving a formal assessment by a healthcare provider.

It’s also important to know that perimenopause and menopause symptoms can occur even while having regular periods or normal lab tests.

Discussing menopause symptoms with your healthcare provider can feel daunting, but it’s essential to finding proper treatment and relief. Here are some tips to make the conversation productive:

• Be specific: Describe your symptoms and how they impact your life.
• Prepare questions: Consider asking about both hormonal and non-hormonal treatments.
• Advocate for yourself: Don’t hesitate to seek a specialist if you don’t feel supported.

It’s important that you share any new or unusual symptoms with your healthcare provider, as menopause can be a mosaic of symptoms that may appear unrelated at the surface but are often hormonally related.

Women spend one-third of their life in menopause. It’s worth approaching it with curiosity and confidence, not fear or worry. Understanding symptoms, exploring treatment options, and making informed decisions with your healthcare provider can help you thrive.

Looking for more insights on thriving during menopause? Explore the rest of Menopause Made Clear for expert tips, curated resources, and trusted information.