What Is Menopause?
Menopause is the point in time when someone has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. It marks the end of the reproductive years and usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55, although it can occur earlier or later.
The years leading up to menopause—when hormones begin to fluctuate and symptoms appear—are called perimenopause. The years after are known as postmenopause. Understanding all three stages helps make sense of what’s happening in the body and why symptoms can change over time.
Perimenopause: The Transition Phase
Perimenopause is the transitional period before menopause. During this time, the ovaries gradually produce less oestrogen and progesterone. Hormone levels can rise and fall like a rollercoaster, which is why symptoms can be unpredictable—better one month, harder the next.
Perimenopause can last several years. Periods may become irregular, lighter or heavier, or occur closer together or further apart. It’s still possible to become pregnant during this phase, so contraception is usually recommended until at least one year after the final period if over 50, or two years if under 50.
Common Symptoms
Not everyone experiences menopause in the same way. Some people have very few symptoms; others find that symptoms affect sleep, mood, relationships, work and confidence. All of these experiences are valid.
Symptoms can begin in perimenopause, continue through menopause and sometimes persist into postmenopause:
- Changes to periods (timing, flow, frequency)
- Hot flushes and night sweats
- Sleep problems and fatigue
- Mood changes, anxiety, low mood or irritability
- Brain fog, memory and concentration difficulties
- Vaginal dryness or discomfort during sex
- More frequent urinary tract infections
- Joint and muscle aches
- Changes in weight and body shape
- Reduced sex drive
- Skin and hair changes
These symptoms are linked to changing hormone levels, particularly falling oestrogen. If symptoms are affecting daily life, relationships or work, it’s worth speaking to a healthcare professional—there are options that can help.
Why Understanding Menopause Matters
Menopause is not a disease—it’s a normal stage of life. But the transition can affect almost every part of wellbeing: physical health, emotional balance, sleep, sexual health, bone strength and heart health. Knowing what’s happening and why can replace fear with understanding and help people make informed choices.
Understanding menopause also matters for partners, families, friends and workplaces. Better information makes it easier to talk openly, offer support and create environments where people don’t have to struggle in silence.
What Can Help?
There is no single “right” way to navigate menopause. For some, simple changes—such as adjusting diet, exercise, sleep routines, stress management and reducing alcohol or smoking—make a big difference. Others benefit from treatments like hormone therapy, non‑hormonal medicines or vaginal oestrogen, depending on symptoms and medical history.
Good care is personalised. A GP, menopause specialist or nurse can help explore options, weigh risks and benefits, and find an approach that fits someone’s health, values and preferences.
Explore More on This Site
This page is just the beginning. If you recognise yourself or someone you care about in any of these descriptions, there is more to discover here.
On other pages you’ll find:
- Detailed symptom guides and practical tips
- Information on treatments, lifestyle changes and self‑care
- Support for partners, families and workplaces
- A growing community space to share experiences and ask questions