What are the symptoms of the menopause?

Symptoms can include hot flushes and night sweats, changes in mood, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, brain fog, vaginal dryness, reduced libido and changes to periods. They vary a lot between people in both type and severity.

What is the difference between perimenopause and menopause?

Perimenopause is the transition leading up to the menopause, when hormone levels fluctuate and symptoms often begin, while periods may become irregular. The menopause itself is reached once you have not had a period for 12 months.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is an effective treatment for menopausal symptoms, and for most people the benefits outweigh the risks. As with any treatment, there are some risks to weigh up, which depend on your individual situation — a GP can discuss whether it is right for you.

What can help with symptoms besides medication?

Regular exercise, a balanced diet, limiting caffeine and alcohol, keeping cool, good sleep habits and managing stress can all help. Some people also find talking therapies useful for mood and anxiety. A GP can guide you to what suits you.

Menopause | HealthAnswers

Quick answer

What is menopause?

The menopause is when periods stop and the ovaries stop releasing eggs, usually between the ages of 45 and 55. The years of changing hormones around it can cause symptoms such as hot flushes, mood changes and disturbed sleep. There is effective support available, including lifestyle measures and treatments like HRT.

What is the menopause?

The menopause is a natural stage of life when periods stop and the ovaries no longer release eggs. It usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55. The phase leading up to it, when hormone levels fluctuate and symptoms often begin, is called the perimenopause. The menopause itself is reached once you have gone 12 months without a period.

Common symptoms

Changing hormone levels can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:

hot flushes and night sweats
changes in mood, anxiety or low mood
difficulty sleeping
problems with memory and concentration (“brain fog”)
vaginal dryness and discomfort
changes to periods before they stop

Symptoms vary enormously — some people have few, others find them very disruptive.

What can help

There is a lot of effective support:

Lifestyle measures — regular exercise, a balanced diet, limiting caffeine and alcohol, keeping cool and protecting your sleep.
HRT (hormone replacement therapy) — an effective treatment for many symptoms; a GP can discuss the benefits and any risks for you.
Other treatments — including options for specific symptoms, and talking therapies for mood and anxiety.

Getting support

Menopause symptoms are common and treatable, and you do not have to simply put up with them if they are affecting your life. A GP can talk through your options, including HRT, and help you find an approach that works for you.

Always get checked if your periods change before the age of 40, or if you have any bleeding after your periods have stopped for a year.

Common questions

What are the symptoms of the menopause?: Symptoms can include hot flushes and night sweats, changes in mood, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, brain fog, vaginal dryness, reduced libido and changes to periods. They vary a lot between people in both type and severity.
What is the difference between perimenopause and menopause?: Perimenopause is the transition leading up to the menopause, when hormone levels fluctuate and symptoms often begin, while periods may become irregular. The menopause itself is reached once you have not had a period for 12 months.
Is HRT safe?: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is an effective treatment for menopausal symptoms, and for most people the benefits outweigh the risks. As with any treatment, there are some risks to weigh up, which depend on your individual situation — a GP can discuss whether it is right for you.
What can help with symptoms besides medication?: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, limiting caffeine and alcohol, keeping cool, good sleep habits and managing stress can all help. Some people also find talking therapies useful for mood and anxiety. A GP can guide you to what suits you.

Sources

NHS — Menopause