Menopause is a natural biological transition that every woman will experience if she lives long enough. Yet for something so universal, it is often misunderstood, under-discussed and sometimes even stigmatised.
Rather than being a single moment in time, menopause is a multi-stage process that can span many years. Hormonal shifts influence not only the reproductive system, but also the brain, skin, metabolism, sleep patterns and emotional wellbeing.
Understanding the stages of menopause can help women feel informed, supported and empowered, rather than confused or alone.
Premenopause refers to the years before noticeable menopausal hormonal changes begin. During this time, menstrual cycles are typically regular and fertility is still present.
Hormone levels — particularly oestrogen and progesterone — follow predictable monthly patterns.
The ovaries regularly release eggs during ovulation
Oestrogen levels fluctuate normally across the menstrual cycle
Progesterone rises after ovulation
The brain, bones, skin and cardiovascular system benefit from stable hormone levels
Women in this stage may experience:
Regular periods
Stable mood patterns
Predictable sleep cycles
Consistent skin elasticity and hydration
However, subtle changes may begin toward the late 30s or early 40s as hormone patterns gradually shift.
Oestrogen plays an important role in skin health by supporting:
Collagen production
Skin hydration
Elasticity
Wound healing
As hormone levels slowly begin to change, some women notice:
Slight dryness
reduced skin bounce
increased sensitivity
This is often the stage when gentler, nourishing skincare begins to become beneficial.
Perimenopause literally means “around menopause.”
This stage can begin 8–10 years before menopause itself, often starting in a woman’s early to mid-40s (though it can occur earlier).
During this phase the ovaries gradually produce less oestrogen and progesterone, but hormone levels fluctuate unpredictably.
This hormonal rollercoaster is responsible for many of the symptoms associated with menopause.
Women may experience:
Irregular periods
Hot flushes
Night sweats
Sleep disruption
Brain fog
Fatigue
Heart palpitations
Weight changes
Joint aches
Breast tenderness
Hormones influence neurotransmitters in the brain, meaning many women also notice changes in mood and cognition:
Anxiety
Low mood
Irritability
difficulty concentrating
memory lapses
loss of confidence
These changes can feel frightening or confusing if women do not realise they are part of the hormonal transition.
Declining oestrogen begins to affect the skin more noticeably.
Common changes include:
increased dryness
thinning skin
reduced collagen production
slower healing
increased sensitivity or redness
Research suggests women may lose up to 30% of skin collagen within the first five years of menopause.
This is why age-appropriate skincare becomes important — focusing on hydration, barrier protection and nourishment rather than harsh treatments.
Menopause itself is actually a single moment in time rather than a long phase.
A woman is considered to have reached menopause once she has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, without another medical cause.
The average age of menopause in the UK is around 51 years, though it varies widely.
By this stage:
The ovaries significantly reduce hormone production
Oestrogen levels fall permanently
Ovulation stops
Natural fertility ends
Some women find symptoms improve once hormonal fluctuations stabilise, while others may continue to experience:
hot flushes
night sweats
sleep disturbances
vaginal dryness
reduced libido
mood changes
The experience of menopause is highly individual.
Some women move through it with minimal symptoms, while others find it more challenging.
ostmenopause refers to the years after menopause has occurred.
Hormone levels remain consistently lower, and many women find that the more intense symptoms of perimenopause settle.
However, lower oestrogen can influence several aspects of long-term health.
These may include:
reduced bone density
slower metabolism
changes in fat distribution
vaginal dryness
urinary changes
Maintaining good health through nutrition, exercise, skincare and emotional wellbeing becomes particularly important during this stage.
Lower oestrogen continues to affect skin structure.
Common changes include:
increased dryness
thinning skin
slower cell turnover
deeper wrinkles
reduced elasticity
Skincare at this stage benefits from:
rich hydration
barrier-supporting ingredients
collagen-supporting products
gentle exfoliation
regular moisturising
But just as importantly, skincare can also be an act of self-care and kindness toward oneself.
If you are experiencing symptoms or emotional challenges related to menopause, support is available.
Reaching out for information, community or professional guidance can make a significant difference.
And remember — what you are experiencing is not unusual.
Millions of women are moving through the same transition.
Please click the link below for a list of helpful and supportive organisations that may help you.
With support and body kindness you can get through this and have your best decades yet! Read our article about why this doesn't have to stop you from achieving your goals!
