From your first breath to your last, your hormones shape your story. At MenoLink, we’re here to guide you through one of life’s biggest chapters: Menopause.

 

Let’s break it down - simply:

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Hormones 101: Oestrogen and Progesterone

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These are two of your body's main sex hormones. They kick into gear at puberty, prepping you for reproduction. Because that's the name of the game, as far as your body is concerned.

As you age, your egg supply dwindles with each period (a.k.a. your menstrual cycle), and production of oestrogen and progesterone naturally declines. That’s when perimenopause begins — and with it, symptoms that can follow you into postmenopause. 

There's also the all important testosterone. But that's another story.
 

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Birth to Puberty
 

Even in the womb, your mum’s oestrogen gave you a tiny hormonal head start - sometimes causing breast swelling or “witch’s milk” in newborns (yes, it’s a thing!).

Then came mini-puberty - a quick hormone surge to kickstart your reproductive system - and puberty, when oestrogen made you into an adult.

 

Wild, right?
 

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Your 20s & 30s: The Fertile Years
 

This is your body in its prime - hormones humming, fertility peaking. Those selfish genes being at their most selfish.

SEX? Fun and carefree. ENJOY (responsibly, of course)!

But heads-up: Your ability to reproduce starts plummeting in your late 30's. You might want to think about this. Because IVF is no fun and often results in an early perimenopause.

And sometimes symptoms of perimenopause do begin in the 30's. For example, things like vaginal dryness (see our Symptoms page) might creep in, and we’ve got your back when they do. But do keep all of this in mind. While you are having lots of fun. Of course. 

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Your 40s & 50s: Perimenopause Begins

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This is typically when the shift starts. Dr Rachel Rubin recently referred to this stage of our lives as a "Castration Event". Ummmm. WINCE. But we think that it is a really interesting, and spot on, definition.

As oestrogen and progesterone levels decrease, your periods can get unpredictable, marking the “around menopause” phase of your life.

In other words, one day you decide to finally empty your handbag of all those emergency tampons, and then there it is, that stain in your new silk white panties.
(Always happens when you're wearing the white ones, right?)

Hot flashes, brain fog, or mood swings, might also join the party—check our Symptoms Page for the full smorgasbord.

Back in the day - see our Short History of the Menopause - women very often just toughed it out. But we're on the crest of a mini medical menopausal revolution. And if you didn't know that, you must have been living on Mars (Ed: you mean, Venus) during the last few years.

Options like HRT can help. HRT replaces the oestrogen and progesterone which is slowly leaving your body (think of "symptoms" as oestrogen waving goodbye - and remember, everyone has their own style of waving) can help, thanks to better science (talk to your Doctor!).

Why it matters: for starters, low oestrogen increases your risk for osteoporosis and dementia. And is at the root of all of so many of those other symptoms.
And, let's be honest, it can make you into a right moody old cow.

But knowledge is power - arm yourself with MenoLink’s resources and you will be fine when the M day (see below) arrives.
 

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Menopause: One Day, Big Change
 

It’s official after 12 months without a period. A milestone, not a finish line. But feel free to throw a party! Or to dig out those white linen trousers that you've not dared wear for the last 20 years. 
 

Postmenopause:

Welcome to THE REST OF YOUR LIFE!

Some symptoms ease (goodbye, night sweats?), but risks, like brittle bones, linger.
Still, normally all symptoms are gone within 2 to 10 years of the beginning of the perimenopause.

And that's why we’re all here to help you thrive, not just survive.
 

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Your MenoLink Lifeline
 

This isn’t the end - it’s a bold new beginning. With MenoLink, you’re part of a tribe of women sharing our experiences and wisdom via our MenoJourneys.

Sex fading? We’ve got libido tips and vulva-friendly solutions.

Weight creeping up? Our fitness ideas will keep you strong.

Worried about crumbling bones? We’ll show you how to stay sturdy at 90.
 

Join Us
 

Your journey matters. Explore our Symptoms Page, dive into real women’s stories, and find what works for you - HRT, lifestyle tweaks, or a mix. Then share your tips with our community.


Help Us Help You!