The Stages of Menopause:
“When you know what your hormones are up to, you stop thinking you’re crazy and start thinking clearly about how to stay in control”
— Maryon Stewart
Early Menopause
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Perimenopause
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Menopause
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Postmenopause
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Early Menopause • Perimenopause • Menopause • Postmenopause •
Your Menopausal Journey
From the hormonal shifts of perimenopause to the evolving needs of post-menopause, this transition marks a powerful window to invest in your long-term health. Across every stage, adopting new habits—particularly in nutrition and lifestyle—can help keep your estrogen receptors active and responsive. Even small, consistent changes can support your heart, bones, brain, and metabolism, helping you protect your healthspan and feel your best.
Perimenopause
Fluctuating and erratic levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones give rise to a myriad of symptoms.
Average age is early forties, though it can begin around age 35+
Average duration is 4-8 years, but can last as long as 10 years.
The most obvious symptom of perimenopause is irregular periods that may be lighter or heavier, longer or shorter. For those on birth control, this symptom may be masked.
Other common symptoms in perimenopause are psychological and mental health-related, including increased anxiety, mood swings, irritability, brain fog and memory issues.
Physical symptoms may include hot flashes, night sweats, low libido, skin issues, and vaginal dryness.
Bothersome symptoms may lead to sleep disruption and insomnia and also impact biomarkers for women’s most common risks related to immediate and long-term heart, bone and brain health.
Menopause
Menopause begins after 12 period-free months. Beyond fertility, hormonal shifts affect everything from bones to brain and more.
Average age: 51-52
What happens to hormones once menopause arrives?
While the ovaries stop making estrogen and progesterone in meaningful amounts, your body doesn’t go quiet:
The adrenal glands and fat tissue continue to produce and convert hormones into a gentler form of estrogen called estrone.
Small amounts of estrogen are still made in the brain, bones, and blood vessels.
Hormone production doesn’t stop entirely—but it slows and occurs within other parts of the body, including the adrenal glands, fat tissue, brain, bones, and blood vessels. These tissues produce smaller, localized amounts of estrogen, which can still influence metabolism, bone strength, cognitive function, and cardiovascular health
Postmenopause
You are considered postmenopausal one year and one day after your last period.
Average Age: 52 – 100+
You are considered postmenopausal one year and one day after your last period. This stage marks more than the end of fertility - it’s the beginning of a new focus on longevity and quality of life.
While some symptoms may fade after menopause, others can persist. These include vaginal dryness, pain during sex, urinary incontinence, and a higher risk of UTIs, all linked to changes in estrogen levels. Hot flashes and night sweats may continue, along with mood shifts, sleep disturbances, and lower libido. Many women also experience weight gain, dry skin, and hair thinning, due to ongoing hormonal changes.
Post-menopause is a powerful window to protect your healthspan—the years you live with strength, clarity, and vitality. With the right support, this chapter can be one of your strongest yet.
Early & Premature menopause
Early Menopause’ occurs between the ages of 40-45 and may carry increased risks to heart disease and stroke risk, osteoporosis, and cognitive decline.
‘Premature Menopause’ occurs when menopause happens before the age of 40, also known as primary ovarian insufficiency (POI).
The Natural Hormone Rebalancing Protocol (N-HRP™) helps to demystify what actions will make a difference. This evidence-informed approach helps you navigate what to eat, how to move, and how to support your hormones naturally—so you can feel and look your best at every stage of the menopausal journey.
Learn more about Menopause symptoms
