The menopause is the point at which a woman has her last period. It is difficult to predict exactly when this is, but generally when a woman has not had a period for 1 year the menopause is complete. Leading up to this time a woman may get menopausal symptoms even though she is still having periods.
Women have a menopause because the ovaries have stopped producing eggs and the hormone called oestrogen.
Most women will have their last period between the ages of 45 and 55, but in some cases it can happen earlier or later.
The signs and symptoms leading up to the last period will be different for different women. Some will have no signs except that their periods have stopped.
The menopause can occur in much younger women, but this is less common. If a woman has had a hysterectomy, even if she still has her ovaries, she may experience menopausal symptoms earlier than expected.
The hormone oestrogen plays an important role in keeping bones strong. After the menopause bones can become gradually weaker, more brittle and more liable to break. This is called osteoporosis. Oestrogen also gives women some protection against heart disease.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has been shown to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and so reduce the risk of weakened bones breaking. HRT may also reduce the risk of heart disease.
The signs and symptoms will vary for everyone and all women approach the menopause differently.
Irregular periods
Periods stopping
Hot flushes/night sweats
Memory loss
Mood swings
Vaginal dryness
Urinary problems/infections
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