What is menopause?
Menopause is defined as the moment when a female goes 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, signalling the end of fertility. On average, natural menopause occurs around 51–52 years of age, though it can happen earlier due to surgery or medical treatments, or even later.
In this article, you will learn about menopause, its stages, symptoms, causes, and treatments, including lifestyle changes, hormone therapy, and more. Empower your journey through this natural transition.
Stages of menopause:
- Perimenopause (menopause transition): The lead-up phase, often lasting 3–8 years, during which hormone levels fluctuate and cycles become irregular.
- Menopause: The point in time when someone has not had a menstrual period for 12 months.
- Post menopause: The stage after menopause where symptoms may ease, but risks for osteoporosis and heart disease increase.
Common symptoms:
- Hot flashes & night sweats: Affecting up to 75–80% of individuals in this transition.
- Vaginal dryness & urogenital symptoms: Lower oestrogen causes dryness, discomfort, and urinary changes.
- Sleep disturbances, mood changes & memory lapses: Hormonal shifts often lead to insomnia and emotional challenges.
- Bone, joint & skin changes: Postmenopausal hormone decline can lead to bone loss, joint pain, weight gain, and dry skin.
Causes & risk factors
- Natural ovarian ageing: Includes declining oestrogen and progesterone production.
- Surgical menopause: Removal of the ovaries causes immediate and often intense symptoms.
- Premature or early menopause: Occurs before age 45 and may be linked to health conditions, treatments like chemotherapy, or genetics.
Diagnosis
A healthcare provider will review menstrual patterns and symptoms, sometimes accompanied by blood tests (like FSH), to determine menopausal status.
For additional information, read more articles relevant to women’s health below:
- Is menopause affecting your sleep?
- Common hormone imbalances women experience
- Hormonal fluctuations & female mental health
- Sex in your 50s and 60s
- The importance of self-breast examination
- Dense breasts are a leading risk factor for breast cancer
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Managing menopause
Lifestyle strategies:
- Diet & exercise: Adequate calcium and vitamin D, along with regular weight-bearing exercise, support bone density and heart health.
- Cooling strategies: Use fans, layer clothing, and avoid hot-flash triggers such as caffeine or spicy food.
- Sleep hygiene: Critical for mood regulation and reducing fatigue.
Medical & non-medical treatments:
- Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT): The most effective treatment for hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness when tailored correctly.
- Non-hormonal medications: Certain antidepressants, gabapentin, and cognitive-behavioural therapy can help manage symptoms.
- Local oestrogen products: Vaginal creams, rings, or tablets can relieve vaginal atrophy with minimal systemic impact.
Protecting bone & heart health
- Bone protection: Weight-bearing exercise, balanced nutrition, and sometimes drugs like bisphosphonates.
- Cardiovascular monitoring: Keep track of blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight; treatment decisions may hinge on personal heart health risk.
When to seek help
- Postmenopausal bleeding: Any bleeding after one year without a period should be evaluated promptly.
- Severe symptoms: If sleep loss, mood changes, hot flashes, or early menopause symptoms disrupt daily life, consult a healthcare provider.
Reviewed: June 2025
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