Menopause 101: What Every Woman Should Know About This Life Phase

Women's Health

Menopause & Perimenopause

Hormone Balance

Nutrition

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Understanding the Basics of Menopause

Menopause marks the natural transition in a woman’s life when ovarian function declines and the production of sex hormones—especially estrogen and progesterone—gradually decreases.

But this shift is about more than just periods stopping. It can trigger a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms, many of which women don’t immediately associate with menopause. As a result, it’s common to feel confused, unprepared, and misunderstood—not just by yourself, but also by those around you.

For many women, it can feel like a second puberty—only in reverse, and lasting far longer.

When Does Menopause Start?

Contrary to popular belief, menopause doesn’t begin when your periods stop. The transition usually starts in your early 40s with a drop in progesterone, followed by a gradual decline in estrogen levels.

This hormonal shift can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years. And for up to 10% of women, symptoms can persist for the rest of their lives.

Why It Matters: Hormones Influence Everything

Estrogen and progesterone don’t just affect fertility—they’re involved in nearly every system in your body. They influence mood, metabolism, sleep, stress response, bone health, and even brain function. So when hormone levels shift, the effects can be widespread and unpredictable.

Understanding this connection is key to recognizing and managing your symptoms effectively.

Common Symptoms of Menopause

Because the drop in estrogen impacts so many bodily functions and other hormone systems, menopause can bring a wide range of symptoms—many of which are unexpected.

While hot flashes and missed periods are well-known, they’re only part of the picture. Many women experience symptoms that feel more like a full-body (and mind) transformation.

Here are some of the most common symptoms of menopause:

Frequent urinary tract infections or urgency
Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)
Poor balance or coordination
Anxiety
Panic attacks or depression
Insomnia and disrupted sleep
Fatigue and low energy
Mood swings
Brain fog and memory issues
Weight gain, especially around the midsection
Muscle and joint pain
Thinning hair or hair loss
Dry skin and vaginal dryness
Changes in vision
Skin sensitivity or increased bruising
Difficulty regulating body temperature (hot flashes, night sweats)

Here’s the Good News: You Can Take Control

Yes, the list may seem overwhelming—but there’s hope. With the right support, knowledge, and lifestyle strategies, most symptoms can be improved significantly.

Tools that can help include:

A balanced, nutrient-dense diet
Regular strength training and movement
Stress management techniques
Targeted hormone therapy (if appropriate and under professional guidance)

But it starts with awareness—and a willingness to take your health into your own hands.

Why It Matters: Menopause Is a Major Issue—Especially in the U.S. Workplace

While menopause is often seen as a personal health issue, it also has major economic and professional implications in the United States.

1.3 million American women enter menopause each year, with symptoms often starting years earlier (Read more info here).
About 27 million U.S. women—20% of the workforce—are in perimenopause or menopause, facing hot flashes, brain fog, and mood changes (Read more info here).
A Mayo Clinic survey found that roughly 13% of women aged 45–60 reported missing work in the past year due to menopausal symptoms—equating to a staggering $1.8 billion lost annually in productivity (Read more info here).
When including medical and related costs, the total economic burden climbs to approximately $26.6 billion per year (Read more info here).
In a national survey, 90% of women aged 35+ reported experiencing at least one menopause symptom (such as hot flashes or sleep issues), and 84% said these symptoms reduced their work productivity (Read more info here).
Despite these impacts, only about 31% of women feel comfortable discussing menopause at work (Read more info here).
Menopause-friendly workplace policies are rare—just 14% of women believe their employer recognizes the need for specific menopause support (Read more info here).

Menopause Isn’t a Moment—It’s a Long-Term Journey

Menopause isn’t a single event—it’s a process that unfolds over 5 to 15 years. And for some, it’s a lifelong adjustment. But with knowledge, community, and personalized strategies, women can move through this chapter with strength, clarity, and confidence.