The Vela Lume Map
Navigating the Menopause Journey: Hormones & Stages
While the trajectory is common, every woman's timeline and experience are unique.
Premenopause
Peak cycle stability
The years preceding the shift. Consistent ovarian function and regular menses, with only subtle changes in baseline hormone levels.
- Regular ovulation
- Predictable cycles
- Stable baseline
Perimenopause
The hormonal rollercoaster
A period of erratic hormone levels — the core transition phase, with increased symptom intensity and variety.
- Hot flashes & night sweats
- Sleep fragmentation
- Cognitive lapses (brain fog)
- Metabolic changes
Menopause
The stabilization point
Marked by 12 consecutive months without a period. Natural hormone production reaches its minimum, though symptoms can persist.
- 12 months no menses
- Minimal ovarian output
Postmenopause
Focus on long-term health
The period following the final menses. Hormone levels remain low and stable, and long-term health maintenance becomes key.
- Bone density
- Cardiovascular
- Vaginal comfort
- Skin & muscle
- Cognitive
1Age 6 minPerimenopause & menopause: the age it actually happens
When the transition typically starts, the average age of menopause, and what early or late timing can mean.
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2Stages 6 minThe stages of menopause: perimenopause to postmenopause
Three stages, very different bodies. A simple map of what is happening in each — and what to expect.
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3Pathophysiology 7 minWhat is actually changing in your body during menopause
The biology behind the symptoms — how declining estrogen reaches from your thermostat to your brain and bones.
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4Symptoms 7 minPerimenopause & menopause: signs and symptoms
More than hot flashes. A plain-language survey of the most common — and most under-recognised — symptoms.
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5Treatments 8 minMenopause treatment options, compared
Hormone therapy, non-hormonal medications, and lifestyle support — what each does and who tends to benefit.
Read this chapter- 6Diagnosis 6 min
How menopause is actually diagnosed
Usually no tests needed — and why that surprises women. What a diagnosis does and does not require.
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7Duration 6 minHow long perimenopause and menopause actually last
How long symptoms tend to run, why some women carry them longer, and what to expect at each stage.
Read this chapter- 8Lab Results 7 min
Menopause lab results and hormone tests, explained
FSH, estradiol, AMH, thyroid — what each result actually means (and the number that usually does not matter).
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