What is Menopause?
- Julie Storer
- Jun 21, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 2, 2025
Menopause is an event that around 50% of the population will go through and have been through. And now more than ever we are talking about it!
There are different terms to describe the three stages
of menopause.
‘Menopause’ by clinical definition is when you have not had a period for 12 consecutive months. The ovaries have stopped producing eggs and hormones such as oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone fall. After this date, a woman is considered "postmenopausal".
In Australia, the average age of menopause is 51 but it is normal to reach menopause between the ages of 45 -55 years.
‘Perimenopause’ is the stage before your final period when your
ovaries are starting to run out of eggs. This causes fluctuations
in hormones, and periods can become irregular. Some women can experience menopausal symptoms for 5-10 years before their final menstrual period.
Some people experience early menopause, when the final period happens between the ages of 40 and 45.
Premature menopause is when your final period happens before
the age of 40.
Symptoms
Everyone’s experience of perimenopause and menopause is
different. Some people have very few symptoms, while others have
symptoms that affect their daily life.
Anatomical and physiological changes during this transition and with aging:
🩸 Reproductive System
• Decrease in estrogen and progesterone
• Increase in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) during transition
• Irregular, then absent periods
• Ovulation stops as follicle count declines
• Breast changes: tenderness, shape, elasticity, and cancer risk
• Vaginal dryness, thinning, and lower elasticity
• Urogenital changes: discomfort, urinary issues
• Pelvic floor dysfunction risk (e.g., urinary leakage)
• Possible sexual dysfunction: low libido, pain with sex
🧠 Nervous System
• Cognitive changes: memory, learning, focus
• Sleep disruption: insomnia, night sweats, circadian rhythm changes
• Mood changes: anxiety, irritability, low mood
• Nerve-related sensations: tingling, numbness, skin sensitivity
• Migraines and headaches
• Vasomotor symptoms: hot flushes, night sweats
❤️ Cardiovascular System
• Blood vessels become stiffer, less elastic
• Increased blood pressure
• Elevated cardiovascular disease risk
• Higher risk of blood clots
🌬️ Respiratory System
• Decline in lung capacity and function
• Increased susceptibility to respiratory infections and COPD
💪 Musculoskeletal System
• Loss of muscle mass and strength
• Decrease in bone density (osteoporosis risk)
• Slower healing and stiffer connective tissues
• More aches and pains in joints and muscles
🔥 Metabolic Health
• Altered insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism
• Changes in fat metabolism
• Overall metabolic slowdown and body composition changes
⚖️ Body Composition
• Increase in visceral and abdominal fat
• Shifts in fat distribution
• Possible weight gain
🍽️ Digestive System
• Slower digestion, constipation, bloating, heartburn
• New or worsened food intolerances
• Gut microbiome changes
🛡️ Inflammation & Immunity
• Heightened inflammatory response
• Reduced activity in immune cells
🧴 Skin & Mucous Membranes
• Skin becomes thinner, drier, less elastic
• Possible odd skin sensations (formication – a crawling feeling on the skin)
The Bottom Line:
Menopause can bring some big changes, and awareness is the first step.
Navigating the hormonal changes associated with the onset of perimenopause and menopause can be confusing, frustrating, and even isolating.
As you become proactive in your focus on health span, you can begin to understand these changes and begin to manage symptoms with medical and lifestyle advice based on scientific research.
With the right information and support, women can feel strong, vibrant, and in control of their health as they work on firstly managing their symptoms and then thriving in the years beyond.
The first step is awareness, so if you are feeling like a chat, just get in touch!
Reference List
Menopause Coaching Specialist Certification
Girls Gone Strong Academy. (2023). Menopause Coaching Specialist Certification. GGS Academy.
Australian Menopause Society
Australian Menopause Society. (n.d.). For Women.
Jean Hailes for Women’s Health
Jean Hailes for Women’s Health. (n.d.). Menopause.
