What is Menopause?

Menopause is a natural transition—one of the biggest physical shifts you’ll ever experience—and it’s your body’s way of wrapping up its reproductive years. It doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s not just about periods stopping. In fact, it’s a journey with three distinct stages, each bringing its own changes.

Stage 1: Perimenopause

This is the “lead-up” phase, when your hormones start to fluctuate and symptoms pop in and out before settling in more consistently. For most women, this begins around age 45. You

might notice irregular periods, hot flashes, brain fog, mood swings, unpredictable emotions, and a gradual drop in fertility. At first, these symptoms can be sporadic—but over time, they tend to show up more often.

Stage 2: Menopause

You officially reach menopause 12 months after your last period. Sounds like the finish line, right? Not so fast. This stage is more like the middle of the marathon than the end. While your cycle is done for good, other symptoms—like hot flashes, sleep struggles, or mood changes—can still stick around. In Canada, the average age for menopause is about 51, and it can last for more than a decade. Yes, you read that right… ten. whole. years.

Stage 3: Post-Menopause

This is the home stretch—when your body has fully adjusted to lower hormone levels. For many women, that’s somewhere around 60, though for some, it can take until the late 60s before things truly settle down.

The good news? While menopause is a major life event, there’s so much you can do to support your body, ease symptoms, and move through this season feeling strong, vibrant, and in control.