Menopause

What is menopause?

Menopause is when your monthly periods stop for good. This happens because your body makes less of the hormones that control your periods. It's a completely normal part of life that all women go through.

Most women experience menopause between ages 45 and 55, but it can happen earlier or later. Anyone who has periods can go through menopause.

How does menopause happen?

Menopause can happen naturally as you get older. But it can also happen for other reasons:

• Surgery to remove your ovaries or womb
• Cancer treatments like chemotherapy
• Some genetic conditions
• Sometimes doctors don't know why it happens early

What is perimenopause?

Before menopause, there's a stage called perimenopause. This is when you start having menopause symptoms, but your periods haven't stopped completely yet.

During perimenopause, your periods might become irregular - they could be heavier, lighter, or come at different times. You officially reach menopause when you haven't had a period for 12 months in a row.

What symptoms might you notice?

Menopause and perimenopause can cause many different symptoms:

Physical symptoms:

• Hot flushes (sudden feelings of heat)
• Night sweats
• Trouble sleeping
• Headaches
• Joint aches
• Weight gain

Emotional symptoms:

• Mood swings
• Feeling anxious or worried
• Low mood
• Brain fog (feeling confused or forgetful)
• Less interest in sex

Period changes:

• Irregular periods
• Heavier or lighter bleeding
• Periods that last longer or shorter than usual

These symptoms can start years before your periods actually stop and may continue afterwards.

How can menopause affect your life?

Menopause symptoms can have a big impact on your daily life. They might affect:

• Your relationships with family and friends
• Your work performance
• Your sleep and energy levels
• Your confidence and wellbeing

Remember, this is temporary, and there are ways to help manage these changes.

What can help?

There are many things you can do to help with menopause symptoms:

• Eating a healthy, balanced diet
• Taking regular exercise
• Getting enough sleep
• Managing stress through relaxation techniques
• Talking to friends, family, or support groups

Your GP can also prescribe medicines that replace the missing hormones. These are called hormone replacement treatments and can really help reduce symptoms.

When to speak to your GP

You should speak to your GP if:

• Your symptoms are affecting your daily life
• You're worried about any changes you're experiencing
• You want to discuss treatment options
• You're under 45 and think you might be going through menopause

See your GP urgently if you have:

• Very heavy bleeding that soaks through a pad or tampon every hour
• Bleeding between periods
• Bleeding after sex
• Any bleeding after menopause (when your periods have stopped for 12 months)

Remember

Menopause is a natural part of life, not an illness. While symptoms can be challenging, they don't last forever. With the right support and treatment, you can manage this transition and continue to live a full, healthy life.

Don't suffer in silence - speak to your GP about what you're experiencing. They're there to help and support you through this time.

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Based on NHS.uk guidance. Written by Dr Krishnan Pasupathi, NHS GP.