The menopause is a natural process that marks the time in your life when you stop menstruating. It usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55. As you get older, your ovaries produce fewer reproductive hormones, causing changes in your body that result in the menopause.
During the menopause, your periods will become irregular and eventually they will stop altogether. You’re said to have gone through menopause when 12 months have passed without a period.
Other symptoms
As well as changes to your menstrual cycle, you might also experience:
- Aches and pains
- Hot flushes
- Low libido
- Mood swings and poor concentration
- Poor sleep, often with night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
The menopause is a gradual process. Symptoms will usually start about four years before your periods stop altogether and they can sometimes continue for several years after your last period. A small number of women will get symptoms for longer than this.
Perimenopause
Perimenopause is the time leading up to the menopause. During perimenopause, your hormones start to change in preparation for the menopause and you may experience:
- Heavier or lighter periods than usual
- Hot flushes and night sweats
- Less frequent periods
- Mood swings
- Poor sleep
Perimenopause can last anywhere from a few months to several years.
Complications of the menopause
In some women, the menopause increases the likelihood of developing other conditions, such as osteoporosis (weakening of the bones) and heart disease.
However, you can take steps to reduce your chances of developing these conditions.
The risk of osteoporosis increases after the menopause because of lower levels of the hormone oestrogen in your body. Taking calcium and vitamin D will help maintain the strength of your bones and reduce your chances of developing osteoporosis.
To reduce your risk of developing heart disease, it’s important to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle, and exercise regularly.
Hormone therapy
The menopause is a natural process that all women go through. However, if your symptoms are severe, you might want to consider hormone replacement therapy to help you manage them.
Hormone replacement therapy can help reduce:
- Hot flushes
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
Coping with the menopause
As well as the physical symptoms, the menopause can be a difficult time emotionally. Your body will go through a big change and it marks the end of your fertility. Feelings of anxiety and depression are normal, and speaking to friends, family or a therapist can help.
A number of alternative treatments and lifestyle changes have been shown to help too. Acupuncture, mindfulness and yoga can help you relax, manage anxiety and improve your sleep. Wearing cool and comfortable clothing will help you cope with hot flushes and taking steps to keep cool at night will help with your sleep and night sweats. Magnesium supplements may also improve your sleep and energy levels.
Finally, it’s important to look after your health. Both smoking and drinking alcohol in excess can make your symptoms worse, so should be avoided. Regular exercise and healthy eating will promote general wellbeing and can have a positive effect on your mood, sleep and energy levels.
