What Happens to Your Body During Menopause?

Menopause isn’t just a part of getting older for women. It’s a full-blown biological shift that affects nearly every system in your body. From your sleep to your mood, it’s when you start feeling like you’re slowly losing control.

Whether you’re in your late 40s or early 50s, if you’ve noticed irregular periods, unexpected mood swings, or sleep issues, menopause might be why. And no, you’re probably not imagining it. But menopause is only scary when you’re unfamiliar with it.

So, let’s break down exactly what happens during menopause, so you can support yourself through it.

Imbalanced Hormones

The most obvious changes during menopause stem from declining estrogen and progesterone levels. These hormones control everything from your menstrual cycle to your bone health. As they drop, your body tries to adjust to the changes.

You might notice:

• Hot flashes or night sweats
• Vaginal dryness or discomfort
• Mood swings or irritability
• Reduced libido

This hormonal imbalance can start in perimenopause, which is the time leading up to actual menopause, and last for years.

Thinning Bones

Estrogen plays a big role in maintaining bone density. So, when estrogen levels drop, your bones become more prone to thinning. In fact, most of the bone loss in your body happens during menopause.

That’s also why postmenopausal women are at higher risk for osteoporosis and fractures.

Consider adding calcium and vitamin D to your diet. Menopause supplements and vitamins often include the essentials needed to help maintain bone strength. And if your supplement includes magnesium, that’s even better since it helps with calcium absorption.

Slow Metabolism

Suddenly, your usual diet and routine just don’t cut it anymore.

During menopause, your metabolism tends to slow down, your muscle mass may decrease, and your body may start storing more fat (especially around the abdomen).

You might find it beneficial to add B vitamins to your routine to support your energy levels and metabolic function.

Look for vitamins that also support thyroid health for extra help.

Brain Fog and Mood Swings

You might feel like you’re losing your mind, but you’re not. Fluctuating hormones can affect neurotransmitters like serotonin, which play a role in your mood and cognitive function.

One minute, you’re excited for a day out with friends, and the next, you feel like staying home, wrapped up in blankets and watching your favourite sad movie. Some call it the second puberty, and for good reason. 

You might feel like a teenager again, going through erratic mood swings, and that’s completely normal.

Difficulty Sleeping

Sleep is one of the most important parts of your health. Poor sleep can actually affect your whole body and mind, and menopause doesn’t make it any easier.

Between night sweats, anxiety, and disrupted melatonin production, sleep issues during menopause are all too common. It can be incredibly exhausting and even lead to insomnia in some cases. Add stress on top of it all, and you’ve got yourself a classic health hazard.

Stress management might sound like something that is easier said than done, but regulating your mood and stress can help a lot