Menopause in women: symptoms, stages and support
Menopause explained: what it is, the symptoms, how long they last, and the evidence-based options that help, from lifestyle to HRT.
Reviewed by Emma Carter, Senior Health & Nutrition Editor
Menopause is a natural stage, not an illness, but the symptoms can be disruptive and they often go under-discussed. Knowing what to expect, and what genuinely helps, makes it far easier to handle.
What menopause is
Menopause is the point when you have gone 12 months without a period. The NHS puts it usually between 45 and 55, though it can happen earlier (NHS), and the average is around 51. The years of fluctuating hormones before it are perimenopause, and that is when most symptoms actually begin.
Early and premature menopause
Menopause before 45 is called early menopause, and before 40 it is premature menopause, sometimes named premature ovarian insufficiency. It can happen on its own, or follow surgery to remove the ovaries, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. If your periods stop well before your mid-40s, see your doctor. Losing estrogen early raises the long-term risk to your bones and heart, so treatment such as HRT is usually recommended, often until around the average age of menopause.
The three stages
People use "menopause" loosely, but it helps to separate the stages, because they call for different things.
| Stage | What it means | Your periods |
|---|---|---|
| Perimenopause | Hormones fluctuate in the run-up | Irregular, eventually further apart |
| Menopause | 12 months with no period | Have stopped |
| Postmenopause | All the years after that point | None; any bleeding needs checking |
The symptoms
Up to 80% of women get hot flashes and night sweats. Alongside those, common symptoms include:
- Broken sleep
- Mood changes, low mood or anxiety
- Brain fog and memory lapses
- Vaginal dryness and lower libido
- Joint aches and weight gain, often around the middle
Symptoms last an average of about four years, though for some women they run much longer.
Why long-term health matters here
As estrogen falls, your bone density and your heart and metabolic health can be affected over time. This is the stage where a few habits pay off: strength training, enough protein and calcium, and staying active all help protect bone and muscle.
What helps
- HRT is the most effective treatment for hot flashes and night sweats for many women. Our HRT guide walks through the benefits and risks.
- Non-hormonal medicines exist for women who cannot or prefer not to use HRT.
- Vaginal dryness has simple, effective treatments that make a real difference to comfort and intimacy.
- Lifestyle matters: regular exercise, good sleep, stress management and a balanced diet all ease symptoms and protect long-term health.
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if:
- Symptoms are affecting your daily life
- You have any bleeding after menopause, which always needs checking
- You want to talk through treatment options
Menopause is very manageable, and you have real options.
Frequently asked questions
What is menopause?
Menopause is the point when you have gone 12 months without a period, marking the end of your reproductive years. It usually happens between about 45 and 55, with an average around 51. The years of hormonal change before it are called perimenopause.
What are the main symptoms of menopause?
Hot flashes and night sweats are most common, affecting up to 80% of women. Others include disrupted sleep, mood changes, brain fog, vaginal dryness, lower libido, joint pain and weight changes. Symptoms last an average of about 4 years, sometimes much longer.
What treatments help menopause symptoms?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the most effective option for hot flashes and night sweats for many women. Non-hormonal medicines, treatments for vaginal dryness, and lifestyle measures like exercise, sleep and stress management also help. The right mix is a personal decision with your doctor.
Does menopause affect long-term health?
The fall in estrogen can affect bone density and heart and metabolic health over time. That's why strength training, enough protein and calcium, and regular check-ups become more important around and after menopause.
References
- Menopause basics · Office on Women's Health
- Menopause · NHS
- Symptoms of menopause and perimenopause · NHS