Orientation
Intention. Leave this path able to say, in one sentence, what perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause mean — and what this atlas will refuse to do.
Why this path exists. Without names, people call themselves mad, lazy, or broken. WHO and STRAW give a ruler. Other cultures give season-words. You need both so you do not tattoo a quiz result on your forehead.
How to sit with it. Read slowly. Do not stage yourself if you do not bleed, use hormones that hide bleeding, or had surgery — go to types instead.
Three looks
- Understand the continuum, STRAW+10, and types
- Learn the five evidence labels
- Skim the glossary once, like a map legend
Meanings in the room
Menopause the point versus konenki the season versus rajonivritti the stepping-back versus second spring the poem. Same body, different questions.
One practice
For seven days, write three words each evening: body, mood, load. No scoring. You are collecting weather, not a diagnosis.
Reflect
Which word did you keep mixing up — and who taught you that mix-up?
Informational education. Not a clinical protocol, certificate, or treatment plan.