What’s Actually Happening in Your Body: The Hormonal Transition of Menopause

If you’ve found yourself thinking, “Why do I feel like this?”, you’re in good company. That foggy brain, the skipped periods, the hot flashes — they’re not in your head. They’re in your hormones. In this post we’ll walk through the science (and yes, the weirdness) of what’s really happening to your body during the transition from perimenopause into menopause and beyond.

The basics of change

• The term “menopause” is officially defined as 12 months without a menstrual period (not caused by other reasons).

• The transition phase (perimenopause) often begins in the mid-40s and can last several years.

• What changes? The major shift is the decline in ovarian follicle numbers — the ovaries gradually reduce function, which drives hormonal changes.

Hormonal shifts & ripple effects

• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) rises; inhibin B falls; estradiol (the key “female” estrogen) drops. PMC+1

• Estrogen deficiency is linked not only to hot flashes, night sweats, but impacts bone, cardiovascular health, mood, brain. PubMed

• The menopausal transition is also increasingly viewed as a state of increased inflammation. BioMed Central

Why symptoms vary so much

• Because each body has a unique starting point (health, genes, lifestyle) + the timing and pace differ — so the “ride” is different for everyone.

• Some women hardly notice; others feel like they’ve been thrown into a roller-coaster. Both are normal.

• The variability of hormonal levels (not just the drop but the fluctuation) may contribute to symptoms such as bone loss and mood issues. Emerging research suggests this. arXiv

So what does that mean for you?

• Knowing this isn’t “all in your mind” gives you permission to give yourself grace.

• Tracking your symptoms, patterns, and rhythms can help you notice what is linked to hormone shifts (sleep loss, stress, diet).

• Understanding the science empowers you to ask good questions of your healthcare provider (e.g., “Is my bone health being monitored?”).

Conclusion:
Your body is doing some serious behind-the-scenes work. None of this is your fault. The fog, the sweats, the wild mood swings — they’re signals. Signals your body is moving into a new chapter. Your Pause Moment is about noticing them, learning about them, and stepping into the next version of you with awareness and a sense of humor.

Want to dive deeper into one symptom? Stay tuned for our upcoming posts on hot flashes, brain fog, and bone health.