I Got Menopause All Wrong...

lynsey635
Jul 2
4 min read

Updated: Aug 9

Here Is What You Really Should Know About The Menopause Transition (MT)

"Like many, I assumed menopause was something that happened much later in life when you were older, maybe even a grandmother (and for the record, grandmas are amazing!). I just never imagined I’d be going through it in my 30s."

Many of us grew up thinking menopause was a single event. In reality, it’s a transition that can unfold over years — and without awareness, early signs often go unnoticed, dismissed, or misunderstood until we look back and connect the dots.

Why This Series Exists

Menopause is often lived forwards but only understood backwards. The more we talk, learn, and share, the more empowered we become to navigate the changes with strength and self-compassion.

I created Dandelion as a not-for-profit to ensure women have the right information, real support, and no longer feel unheard or bounced from pillar to post while trying to understand what’s happening in their bodies and minds.

This 12-month series will give you:

Clarity on what’s happening physically, mentally, and emotionally.
One Small Spark actions you can take immediately to feel better.
Trusted resources in our Kindling Corner to guide you.

Wherever you are in the transition — from early perimenopause to post-menopause — you’ll find something here for you.

This is your time to thrive, not just survive and we’ll take it one small spark at a time.

Lynsey x

What Is the Menopause Transition (MT)?

The Menopause Transition isn’t just “stick with it and you’ll get through it.”Like any major life shift, it requires learning how to navigate changes, asking for support, and embracing the new.

When we understand the stages, we can prepare for them:

Perimenopause - The beginning

The years of hormonal shifts leading up to menopause (often 40s, but sometimes earlier). We may start to see many symptoms of fluctuating hormones. Psychological and emotional symptoms are often most likely during the period of hormonal transition.

Menopause - An End, not a Pause

When you have not had a period for over 12 months, the final period was menopause. At this point, there is minimal hormone production. It is in this stage of the transition that oestrogen and progesterone decline permanently.

Post-Menopause - The End...but not really

As the major hormonal transition begins to settle, many women experience a reduction in symptoms. Research shows the body and mind often stabilise, or even rebound, after menopause. Post‑menopause isn’t just a physical shift or the end of ovarian function; the brain adjusts and adapts, too.

Why Awareness Matters

Hormonal changes during the MT can feel like a rollercoaster,one minute calm, the next tearful or anxious. Without understanding, it’s easy to feel caught off guard.

Here’s what else we know:

By 2030, there will be 1 billion women worldwide in menopause.
Women spend 40% of their lives in menopause.
75% of women who seek help don’t receive appropriate support.
75% experience brain symptoms such as anxiety, brain fog, and low mood - you are not going crazy.
1 in 10 women experience premature (before 40) or early menopause (40-44).

Glow Science

A little science to make sense of your symptoms.

As women, we’re born with a finite number of eggs — and that number actually starts dropping before we’re even born. We begin life with around 1–2 million, but by the time we reach our 40s, we’re down to closer to 5,000.

At that stage, part of our brain tries to rally them along. But in perimenopause, the once seamless partnership between our brain and our ovaries starts to change.

These two — who’ve been best friends for decades — stop communicating quite as well. The delicate, intricate hormonal conversation between them begins a slow, steady breakdown, until eventually they decide to end the relationship altogether.

And just like any breakup, it can be a little uncomfortable — sometimes even painful — for everyone involved!

Now is the time to tune in to your body; these symptoms aren’t just in your head!

IMPORTANT: While certain symptoms may be linked to menopause, they can also be signs of other conditions. Please don’t assume it’s all menopause — we don’t want to miss anything important.

One Small Spark - Get to Know Your Menopause Transition

Remember: consistency beats intensity. One small spark, done daily, can create real change.

This month, choose from one of these simple practices:

Start tracking your cycle and symptoms - This small habit can give you valuable insight into what’s changing in your body and help you start connecting the dots- whether it’s mood, energy, sleep, or other symptoms.

Have a conversation with your mother or another female relative about their experience of their MT. The age they reached menopause can offer clues about your journey, and their stories may hold helpful tips or reassurance.

What symptoms did they face? What kind of support made a difference? These conversations can be powerful, not just for understanding your path, but for strengthening connection.

Start small, stay steady and watch your glow return.

Reignite with Reflection: Coaching questions to spark insight and clarity

What does your body need as you move through perimenopause & menopause?

Consider your core symptoms, what would truly help you feel better?

Rest?
Movement?
Nourishment?
Appreciation?

As women, we can influence our menopause symptoms, and these small steps matter. Just a 10% improvement can boost your energy and mood, helping you eventually reclaim more than you thought possible.