Menopause Made Clear

Your Questions Answered

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore the questions so many women are quietly asking and get the answers you deserve, in language that respects both science and lived experience.

What is perimenopause, and how is it different from menopause?

Perimenopause is the transitional stage when the ovaries begin to produce fewer hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone. It marks the start of the body’s shift away from reproductive function and typically begins in your 40s, though for some women it can start as early as their late 30s. This phase can last several years.

Menopause is defined as the point at which you have gone twelve full months without a menstrual period. It signals the end of ovulation and reproductive capability. Perimenopause is the path leading there, and postmenopause is what comes after.

The list is long, and it varies for every woman. Some of the most frequently reported symptoms include:
  • Irregular menstrual cycles
  • Hot flashes and night sweats
  • Insomnia or disrupted sleep
  • Brain fog and memory lapses
  • Vaginal dryness and discomfort during intimacy
  • Anxiety, irritability, or mood fluctuations
  • Changes in libido
  • Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
  • Joint aches or new stiffness
  • Weight gain or bloating, especially around the abdomen
These symptoms are not “just aging.” They’re real physiological changes tied to fluctuating hormone levels, and they deserve attention.
Yes, they absolutely can. Estrogen is a key player in cognitive function, particularly in areas like memory, verbal fluency, and executive functioning. During perimenopause, as estrogen levels fluctuate unpredictably, women may experience:
  • Difficulty focusing or concentrating
  • Short-term memory issues
  • Mental fatigue
  • Trouble retrieving words or multitasking
This can understandably impact confidence and professional performance. You may find it harder to feel sharp in meetings or to juggle tasks that once felt easy. These changes are biologically rooted and can be addressed with the right interventions.

A well-balanced diet plays a crucial role in managing symptoms and supporting long-term health. We typically recommend:

  • High-fiber vegetables and whole grains to support gut health and estrogen detoxification
  • Calcium and vitamin D-rich foods to support bone density
  • Healthy fats like omega-3s to reduce inflammation and support brain health
  • Lean protein with every meal to help maintain muscle mass and metabolic function
  • Limiting sugar, alcohol, and ultra-processed foods, which can worsen inflammation, bloating, and mood changes

No two women are the same, which is why personalized nutrition planning makes a real difference.

The most effective exercise is the kind that supports hormone health, bone strength, and emotional regulation. This includes:

  • Strength training to maintain lean muscle and bone density
  • Resistance exercises like Pilates or bodyweight work to support mobility and posture
  • Walking or low-impact cardio to support cardiovascular health
  • Yoga, tai chi, or mobility sessions to reduce cortisol levels and improve flexibility

The goal is not to push your body to extremes but to move consistently in ways that help you feel stronger, steadier, and more energized.

Some of the earliest clues are subtle but persistent. You might notice that your periods are becoming irregular, either closer together, further apart, heavier, or lighter than usual. You may also start to feel unusually tired, mentally scattered, or emotionally overwhelmed without any clear trigger. Many women also report sleep disturbances or new sensitivity to stress. These are often the first signs that hormone levels are shifting.
If the changes you’re experiencing are starting to affect your quality of life, whether that’s your ability to sleep, think clearly, manage your emotions, or engage in daily activities. It’s time to consult a specialist. Unfortunately, most general practitioners receive limited training in menopause management, which is why a dedicated clinic like Menovivre exists. The sooner you start the conversation, the more options you’ll have.
Not at all. At Menovivre, we take a whole-person approach. That means we support your physical health, but also address emotional wellbeing, relationship dynamics, body image, confidence, and lifestyle transitions. For many women, the emotional and psychological impact of hormonal change is just as significant as the physical one.
Yes. Hormonal fluctuations directly influence neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which regulate mood, resilience, and motivation. If you’re feeling like you’ve lost a part of yourself, or like your emotions are suddenly harder to manage, you’re not imagining it. These shifts are biological, common, and highly responsive to both medical and lifestyle-based interventions.
We were built to fill the gap. At Menovivre, menopause is not an afterthought. It’s the focus. We offer an integrated team of OB-GYNs, internal medicine specialists, endocrinologists, nutritionists, and physiotherapists who all collaborate to support your health. Whether you’re looking for guidance on hormone therapy, support for fatigue, or help managing intimacy or sleep, you’ll find a plan that reflects your full life, not just your lab results.
On average, perimenopause lasts between four and ten years. The length and intensity of this stage vary widely depending on genetics, stress levels, lifestyle, and medical history. Once you have gone twelve months without a period, you are considered to be in menopause. From that point forward, you’re in postmenopause, which comes with its own care considerations.
Yes, but with some caveats. Blood tests that measure FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), estradiol, progesterone, and AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone) can give insight, but hormone levels fluctuate day to day. A normal test result doesn’t always mean your symptoms aren’t real. A menopause-informed provider will consider your history, symptoms, and life stage along with lab values to build an accurate picture.
It depends on your unique biology and how severely symptoms are affecting your life. For some women, strategic lifestyle changes, like improving sleep hygiene, reducing inflammatory foods, or managing stress can significantly reduce discomfort. For others, hormone therapy or targeted supplements are appropriate and life-changing. At Menovivre, we work with you to create a personalized plan that may include both medical and lifestyle components.
Estrogen and progesterone play key roles in regulating the sleep-wake cycle. When these hormones decline, you may experience night sweats, frequent waking, or insomnia. Add in stress, aging, and overbooked lives, and it’s no wonder sleep takes a hit. But poor sleep is not something to accept as inevitable. There are tools from CBT for insomnia to tailored supplements to hormone therapy that can restore your rest.
Definitely not. One of the most empowering things you can do is start early. Understanding what perimenopause looks like, what your hormonal baseline is, and how your body is likely to change allows you to make proactive choices. That might mean adjusting your nutrition now to protect bone health later, or learning to recognize subtle shifts in mood or cycle patterns. Knowledge is power and in this case, it’s also peace of mind.
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