Menopause 101: Welcome to the Second Puberty
If you've been wondering why your mood is suddenly on a rollercoaster, your sleep is a mess, and your brain feels like it’s in airplane mode —you might be in perimenopause. You're not broken. You're just hormonally rebranding.
This wild ride is what many of us lovingly (and a little sarcastically) call "second puberty." It’s messy, powerful, and very real.
We have created a guide about what every woman needs to know about this significant, transformative life phase.
What Is Perimenopause? Perimenopause is the very normal, very natural hormonal transition before menopause officially kicks in. It usually starts in your late 30s or 40s and can last anywhere from a couple of years to a decade. During this time, your ovaries are preparing for retirement (they’ve been working hard for a long time) and as a result, hormones such as estrogen dont just slowly decline as many graphs would have us believe—it dips, spikes, and throws the occasional tantrum on the way out.
Common symptoms (aka: “Is this normal?” moments):
Periods doing their own thing (heavier, lighter, skipping, surprise guest appearances)
Hot flashes and night sweats—fun!
Mood swings, anxiety, or just crying over dog food commercials
Trouble sleeping, despite being exhausted
Brain fog that makes your thoughts feel like they’re swimming through molasses
Libido shifts or vaginal dryness
When Does Menopause Officially Start?
Menopause is a retrospective diagnosis—meaning we can’t say you are officially in menopause until you’ve gone 12 months without a period. The average age in the U.S. is 51, but it varies as no one is a textbook. After that, congratulations, you are postmenopausal!
And no, it's not the end of your sexuality, sharpness, or vitality. It’s just a new hormonal baseline.
Why It’s Called the Second Puberty?
Just like your first puberty, your body and brain are in transition from one phase of life (the reproductive years) to the next phase of life. Hormones are shifting, your identity might feel like it’s in flux, and you may randomly want to scream into the void or weep into your l
But instead of becoming a woman, you’re becoming a next-level version of yourself: more confident, more clear, and finally (finally!) giving fewer effs.
How to Navigate the Transition
At Meno Mind, we are passionate that this isn’t about "fixing" yourself—it’s about understanding what’s happening and supporting your body through the ride. Perimenopause is not a problem to be solved, it’s not a disease- it’s a transition that you deserve to be supported through in whatever way feels best for you.
Here’s what we have found that helps:
Track your cycle and symptoms (yes, even the weird ones)
Prioritize sleep!!
Move your body and eat in a way that supports blood sugar balance
Look into your treatment options. We live in a time where women do not have to suffer through this. Talk to someone who gets it and is following the latest research guidelines.
Build a support squad. Seriously, don’t do this solo. This is why we build this community!
And above all: be kind to yourself. This is a physiological shift, to be celebrated. Aging is a privilege!
Menopause doesn’t have to be mysterious, shameful, or lonely. Let’s normalize the second puberty for what it is: a huge, honest transition that deserves real conversations.
Remember that you’re absolutely not alone.
Ready to feel more grounded and informed through your second puberty?
Join the conversation, explore our resources, or consider joining our 6-week course. Let’s make this transition a little less WTF—and a lot more empowered.