We were told about puberty. We were warned about pregnancy. But menopause? That was never really explained.
Most of us arrive in midlife surprised by symptoms we weren’t prepared for: brain fog, bloating, mood swings, vaginal dryness. And we’re left wondering, “Why didn’t anyone tell me this would happen?”
That’s why we created this guide. It’s not a medical textbook or a crash course in hormone science. It’s a real, relatable breakdown of what’s going on in your body—and what you can do to support yourself through it.
What Is Menopause, Exactly?
Here’s a surprising fact: Menopause is technically just one day—the 12-month mark after your final period. That’s it. One day.
Everything before that milestone? It’s perimenopause, the transition phase that can last up to 10 years. Everything after? That’s postmenopause, the phase you live in for the rest of your life.
As Tamsen Fadal explains in How to Menopause, this journey is about so much more than a single moment. It’s a whole-body transition that touches every system—physical, emotional, even social. And yet, most women go through it without a roadmap.
Your hormone levels—especially estrogen and progesterone—start to shift, fluctuate, and eventually decline. And because these hormones impact nearly every system in your body, the effects can feel widespread. From your skin and hair to your sleep and sex drive, nothing is off-limits.
How Hormone Shifts Show Up in Daily Life
Here’s what’s really happening behind the scenes:
1. Vaginal Dryness and Discomfort
Estrogen plays a big role in maintaining healthy, hydrated vaginal tissue. As levels decline, so does natural lubrication—which can lead to dryness, irritation, itching, or pain during intimacy.
This isn’t just a “sexual” issue. It’s a comfort and confidence issue. And it affects over half of women in menopause.
Want to learn more about why this happens and how to fix it? Read our blog on vaginal dryness →
2. Gut Disruption and Bloating
Yep—your gut is affected too. Estrogen helps regulate digestion, gut motility, and even the balance of your microbiome. As hormones shift, many women experience bloating, irregularity, and a sudden sensitivity to foods they used to handle just fine.
This is where daily, gentle gut support can make a big difference.
3. Mood Swings and Mental Clarity
Estrogen and progesterone influence serotonin and other brain chemicals that regulate mood. As those levels drop, women may feel more anxious, emotionally reactive, or just “off.”
Brain fog, irritability, and fatigue are common—and totally normal. But they’re not something you have to simply put up with.
What You Can Do About It
This phase of life isn’t about “fixing” your body. It’s about learning to support it differently—with more information, more compassion, and more tools.
Here’s where to start:
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Prioritize hydration, daily movement, and nutrient-rich foods.
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Surround yourself with people and resources that normalize the conversation.
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Consider gentle, science-backed supplements designed for this stage of life.
Start with Membrasin® Vitality Pearls
If you’re experiencing dryness, gut irregularity, or just want to feel more like yourself again—Vitality Pearls are a smart, foundational place to start.
These plant-based, non-hormonal capsules nourish the mucous membranes throughout your body (including vaginal tissue and the gut lining), helping restore balance and comfort from within.
They’ve been clinically studied. They’re easy to take. And most importantly—they actually work.
Learn more and shop Vitality Pearls →
You Deserve to Understand What’s Happening in Your Body
You’re not crazy. You’re not broken. You’re going through one of the most significant transitions of your life—and doing it with more grace and strength than you probably give yourself credit for.
We’re here to make sure you don’t do it alone.
Start with the basics. Learn what’s happening. And know that support is always here when you’re ready.
