Introduction
The menopause, also known as the 'change of life' is the end of menstruation. This means a woman's ovaries stop producing an egg every four weeks. She will no longer have monthly periods or be able to have children.
In the UK, the average age for a woman to reach the menopause is 52. Although women can experience the menopause in their thirties or forties.
If a woman experiences the menopause when she is under 45 years of age, it is known as a premature menopause.
Menstruation (monthly periods) can sometimes stop suddenly when you reach the menopause. However, it is more likely that your periods will become less frequent, with longer intervals in between each one before they stop altogether.
What causes the menopause?
The menopause is caused by a change in the balance of the body's sex hormones.
In the lead up to the menopause (perimenopause) oestrogen levels decrease which causes the ovaries to stop producing an egg each month (ovulation). Oestrogen is the female sex hormone that regulates a woman's periods.
Read more about what causes the menopause.
The fall in oestrogen also causes both physical and emotional symptoms including:
- hot flushes
- night sweats
- mood swings
- vaginal dryness
Read more about the symptoms of the menopause.
Should I see my GP?
You should speak to your GP if you have menopausal symptoms that are troubling you.
Although there is no definitive test to diagnose the menopause, a blood test to measure the level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) may sometimes be recommended.
Treating the menopause
Most women do not need treatment for the menopause. However, treatments are available if symptoms are severe and interfere with day-to-day life.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is one of the main treatments for the menopause. It works by replacing oestrogen which helps to relieve menopausal symptoms.
HRT is available in many forms including tablet, creams or gel, a skin patch or an implant.
Read more about treatments for the menopause.
Self-help
Many women find that making changes to their lifestyle and diet helps improve menopausal symptoms. Taking regular exercise, reducing your stress levels and avoiding certain foods can help reduce hot flushes, night sweats and mood swings.
Read more self-help tips for managing the menopause.
Menopause myths
- You cannot get pregnant after the menopause
FALSE. It can and does happen, so carry on using contraception for two years after your last period if you are under 50 and for one year if you are over 50. - You are going to put on weight
FALSE. Middle-age spread is often linked to the hormonal changes at this time of life but there is no proof of this. Those extra inches could just be part of growing older and being less active. - Your menopause will be difficult because your mum s was
FALSE. There is no evidence that this is the case, although the age at which your mum experienced the menopause could give you a clue about when to expect symptoms. This is because the age at which the menopause occurs tends to be similar in mothers and daughters.
