Section 1: What is Menopause?

Menopause is a natural biological process that everyone born with a female reproductive system – comprised of a vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries – will experience, including transgender men. Approximately 2 million individuals reach menopause in the US each year. That’s more than 6,000 people each day! 

Menopause occurs when we stop having our menstrual period for twelve consecutive months. For most of us, menopause occurs naturally when our ovaries stop producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone. When this happens, we are considered post-menopausal.

The period leading up to menopause is called perimenopause. During this time, some of us may experience a range of changes and symptoms – from moderate to severe – as a result of our declining hormone levels. Perimenopause can last anywhere from a few months to several years.

In this module, we will delve deeper into the various stages of menopause transition according to the distinct phases of female reproductive health. We will also highlight several of the symptoms related to menopause transition, along with treatment options. But before we get there, let’s understand what’s happening with your body during this phase of life.