"Hormones fluctuate across the lifespan including puberty, perimenopause, and during each menstrual cycle. However, they can also change due medical conditions like diabetes, thyroid disease, or even stress. 

Oestrogen gradually increases during the follicular phase which is the first half of the menstrual cycle and reaches its peak at the midpoint of the cycle, during which time follicular stimulating and luteinizing hormones peak to promote ovulation. 

Oestrogen declines at the end of ovulation and then gradually increases to a peak at the midpoint of the luteal phase, which comprises the second half of the cycle. Progesterone gradually increases to its highest level at the midpoint of the luteal cycle, as well. 

When oestrogen and progesterone decline at the end of the luteal phase, menstruation starts. In the case of perimenopause, oestrogen and progesterone fluctuate and then decline enough that menstruation ceases. 

Menopause is defined as one year since the last period and is characterized by low estrogen and progesterone.

Healthy lifestyle behaviors like following a Mediterranean diet, exercising and getting enough sleep; while avoiding sugary foods and drinks and alcohol, can help regulate the uncomfortable side effects of changing hormones."

We've got simple definitions of all the hormones you may have heard about here. 

"Perimenopause usually starts between the ages of 40-44 but this can vary with the individual circumstances. Signs include irregular and/or heavy periods, mood swings, irritability, weight gain around the mid-section, and even hot flashes and fatigue. 

Once you have not had a period for 1 year, you are considered to be in menopause. 

Actually, menopause is only one day, and then you are post-menopause. Maybe we should mark that day in our calendars and celebrate it as a midlife anniversary?

 After this day, you are considered to be post-menopause, which is the remainder of your life. Some symptoms, such as hot flashes, mood changes and weight gain persist for years post-menopause."

Uncertain on the symptoms of menopause? Find out more here.

"If you track your menstrual cycle, ovulation usually occurs around 12-16 days before your period is expected to start. You can calculate this to get an idea of your ovulation timing. 

Also, you can check your cervical mucus to see if it is wetter, clearer and more slippery, which indicates ovulation. You can also measure the level of hormones in your pee with an ovulation predictor kit around the times you think you are ovulating to get a more accurate understanding if this is the case. 

You may find you experience other symptoms during this time like sore breasts, bloating, and discomfort or pain in your lower abdomen but this is not a reliable method to use to determine ovulation as these symptoms can vary and are similar to PMS."

Learn more about the phases of your menstrual cycle here.

"Your period can be heavy for a variety of reasons. It can be a sign of a significant change in your hormones to which your body has to adjust. For example, your period can be heavy when it first starts, as an adolescent.

It can also be heavy after pregnancy and during perimenopause when hormones are changing, once again. However, it can also be heavy from stress, depression and some medications. 

Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about your heavy periods."

Experiencing period pain? Find out why it happens and how to relieve symptoms here.