A simple definition
The menopause is the time in life when your ovaries stop releasing eggs and levels of key hormones (especially oestrogen) fall. This leads to changes in your periods and can cause a range of physical and emotional symptoms.
You are said to have reached menopause when you have not had a period for 12 months (and you are not using hormonal contraception that affects bleeding).
Stages you may hear about
Perimenopause (the menopause transition)
This is the run-up to menopause. Hormone levels can fluctuate, so periods often change (becoming irregular, closer together, further apart, heavier or lighter). Symptoms can begin months or years before your final period.
Menopause
Your final menstrual period, confirmed after 12 months without periods.
Post-menopause
The time after menopause. Some symptoms settle quickly; others can continue for longer.
When does menopause happen?
- The average age of natural menopause in the UK is around 51.
- Most people reach menopause between 45 and 55.
- Early menopause is between 40 and 44.
- Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is menopause before 40 and needs specialist assessment.
- Menopause can happen earlier after surgery to remove the ovaries, or following some medical treatments.
Common symptoms
Everyone’s experience is unique. You might notice a few mild changes, or several symptoms that affect day-to-day life. Symptoms can come and go and may change over time.
Body
- Hot flushes and night sweats
- Sleep disturbance and fatigue
- Headaches or palpitations
- Joint or muscle aches
- Vaginal dryness or discomfort during sex
- Urinary frequency or recurrent UTIs
- Changes in skin or hair
- Weight changes or altered body shape
Mind and mood
- Low mood or tearfulness
- Anxiety or irritability
- Brain fog, poorer concentration or memory lapses
- Reduced confidence
Symptoms are linked to changing hormone levels and also to the knock-on effects of disrupted sleep and midlife stressors.
How is menopause diagnosed?
In most people, menopause and perimenopause are diagnosed from your symptoms and menstrual history. Blood tests are not usually needed in healthy people aged 45 or over because hormone levels can swing from day to day during perimenopause.
Tests may be considered if you are under 45, if symptoms are unusual, or if another cause needs to be ruled out.
Effects on long-term health
Falling oestrogen can influence health beyond symptoms. For some people it may affect bone strength (increasing the risk of osteoporosis), heart and blood-vessel health, and metabolism and weight distribution. This is why personalised menopause care matters.
What you can do now
Small changes can make symptoms easier to manage and support long-term wellbeing:
- Sleep basics: a regular routine, a cool bedroom, and reducing caffeine or alcohol in the evening.
- Movement: a mix of aerobic activity, strength work, and flexibility most days if possible.
- Food: balanced meals, protein with each meal, plenty of fibre, and calcium-rich foods.
- Stress support: mindfulness, breathing exercises, counselling, or time outdoors.
- Track patterns: note symptoms, bleeding changes, triggers, and what helps.
When to seek medical advice urgently
- Bleeding after 12 months with no period.
- Bleeding after sex.
- Very heavy bleeding, or bleeding that is getting worse.
- New pelvic pain, bloating, or unexpected weight loss.
- Symptoms that feel severe, sudden, or different from what you’d expect.
These symptoms don’t usually mean something serious, but they should be checked.
How we can help
The Menopause Partnership is a partnership run by three GPs with a specialist interest in menopause. We are a private service focused on excellent, evidence-based, compassionate care.
At your appointment we will listen to your story, review your symptoms and health background, explain what’s happening in clear terms, and agree a personalised plan with you. Specific treatment options are discussed separately during consultations and in dedicated leaflets.
Remember
Menopause is a natural life stage – not an illness – but symptoms can be very real and very treatable. You don’t have to “just get on with it”. Support is available, and we’re here to help.
