What is the menopause?

The menopause can be a distressing time for many women. It is the point in your life when your periods stop. This happens because your ovaries stop producing eggs and your hormone levels drop.

This drop in hormones causes menopause symptoms. Some symptoms can be difficult to manage. Make sure you talk to your GP about your menopause symptoms and get the help you need.

The menopause usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55. Some women can have it much earlier, though. This could be because of surgery on the ovaries or a hysterectomy. It can also be caused by cancer treatments like chemotherapy. Sometimes it is because of your genetics or for an unknown reason.

Early menopause is when you’re between the ages of 40 and 45. Premature menopause is when you’re under the age of 40, but this is rare. Your doctor might also refer to this as ‘premature ovarian insufficiency’.

The perimenopause is when you have symptoms of menopause before your periods stop. The menopause then officially starts once you have had no periods for a year or more.

What are menopause symptoms?

As well as changes to your period you may also have other symptoms. Symptoms of the menopause can have a huge impact on your life. They may also affect your confidence.

You may experience:

• anxiety
• ‘brain fog’ and poor concentration
• hot flushes (or hot flashes)
• night sweats
• joint and muscle pain
• changes to your mood
• vaginal dryness
• low sex drive

Everyone’s experience of menopause is different. Some people may have other symptoms such as:

• problems sleeping
• burning mouth
• dry skin and eyes
• dizziness
• low energy
• headaches
• palpitations
• urinary symptoms.

Symptoms may last for around seven years. Although some people find they last longer. For others they may not last as long.

When should I get help?

If you think you have symptoms of perimenopause or menopause, speak to your GP.

They will ask you about your periods and how you’re feeling. Doctors usually diagnose menopause just based on changes to your period and symptoms.

What is hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?

HRT is medicine that can replace the hormones that are at low levels. There are different types of HRT depending on your situation.

You can ask your GP about being prescribed HRT.  Ask your GP to talk you through the risks and benefits. This will be useful in helping you decide if HRT is right for you

There are other treatments if you cannot, or choose not to, have HRT.

What other menopause treatments are available?

Other treatments include:

• topical oestrogen treatments – these can help with vaginal dryness and are normally given as creams or tablets. Many can be bought over the counter and are safe to use alongside HRT
• some high blood pressure medications – to help alleviate hot flushes. These can be prescribed by your doctor
• prescription antidepressant treatment – if you are experiencing depression as part of your symptoms.

However, it is important to know there are side effects related to all medicines. You can talk to your doctor if you’re worried about beginning any new medication.

Coping with the impact of the menopause

Going through perimenopause and menopause can be a difficult change. Try to look after yourself and get support if you need it.

Lifestyle changes can help you cope with menopause symptoms. This includes exercising, eating well and finding ways to relax.

Getting psychological support can also help how you feel and may improve some of your symptoms. CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) is a type of talking therapy that may help.

Hearing about other people’s experiences may help. Watch our Let’s #ChatMenopause videos featuring women and men sharing their menopause stories.

If you are struggling at work, ask your employer to look at our Menopause Workplace Pledge. We’re calling on all organisations to sign up. This is to make sure everyone going through the menopause is supported. So far, thousands of employers have signed. They’ve taken positive action that is helping millions of workers across the UK.

Getting support

• NICE has more information for the public about managing menopause symptoms.
• The Daisy Network has useful information for women with premature ovarian insufficiency
• Henpicked offers expert menopause advice to help you make informed choices
• Black Women in Menopause raises awareness of Black peoples’ experiences of menopause and gives relevant support.

Our menopause campaigns

Some of our menopause videos

Read about our menopause research

As a women’s health charity, part of what we do is fund research to save and change the lives of women, girls and babies.

We are currently funding research to

• develop an online toolkit to help organisations become more ‘menopause friendly’. This will give organisations information, training and resources to raise awareness of the menopause at work and improve workplace culture
• investigate if ovarian tissue transplants can delay early menopause in women who have had their ovaries partially or totally removed

We have also helped to develop a CBT-based treatment. This is to help women manage their perimenopause and menopause symptoms. It can help people develop strategies to reduce stress, deal with hot flushes and improve sleep.

And we are delivering vital menopause training to small and medium-sized businesses in Bedfordshire. Our Menopause Xplored programme uses virtual reality to help people understand the impact that menopause can have. It also helps companies develop appropriate menopause support for their staff.