What is Menopause? Menopause is the natural biological transition when a woman's reproductive years come to an end. Clinically, it's defined as the point when a woman hasn't had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. But that simple definition doesn't capture the enormity of what happens during this transition.

The Three Phases:

Perimenopause: This is the transition phase leading up to menopause, and it's often the most challenging period. It can begin anywhere from the late 30s to early 50s (most commonly in the mid-40s) and last anywhere from a few months to over ten years. During perimenopause: Ovarian function begins to decline Hormone levels fluctuate wildly (they don't just drop—they swing unpredictably). Menstrual cycles may become irregular, exhibiting variations in flow intensity and interval timing.

Most menopause symptoms emerge during this phase, Menopause: The moment when the ovaries stop releasing eggs and menstruation permanently ceases. This is diagnosed retrospectively after 12 months without a period. The average age is 51, but it can happen naturally anywhere from the early 40s to late 50s.

Postmenopausal: The years following menopause, when hormone levels stabilize at their new, lower baseline. Some symptoms improve, others may persist, and new health considerations emerge.

What is Andropause? Andropause, also called male menopause or androgen decline in aging males, is the gradual decline in testosterone and other hormones in men as they age. Unlike menopause, which has a clear endpoint, andropause is a more gradual process that can begin as early as the 30s and continues throughout life. Here's why it's less recognized: there's no dramatic marker like the cessation of menstruation. There's no blood test that says "You've officially entered andropause." And culturally, we've been conditioned to believe that men don't have hormonal issues—that's a "woman thing."

But that's dangerously wrong.