SEXUAL HEALTH CONCERN

Menopause Symptoms

Also called: menopause, perimenopause, hot flushes, hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings hormones, going through the change, hormone replacement, hormone therapy

Menopause is a natural stage of life when periods permanently stop as ovarian hormone production changes. Symptoms can begin during perimenopause, often before periods have completely stopped, and can affect sleep, mood, temperature regulation, sexual health and more.

TYPICALLY OCCURS

Ageing, declining oestrogen and hormonal fluctuations

TREATED BY

Hormone replacement therapy, medication and lifestyle support

ALSO LINKED TO

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Why it happens?

Menopause symptoms are primarily caused by changes in ovarian function and fluctuating levels of hormones, particularly oestrogen and progesterone. Before menopause, during the stage known as perimenopause, hormone levels can rise and fall unpredictably. This can cause periods to become irregular, heavier, lighter, longer or shorter. Changes in oestrogen also affect the brain’s regulation of body temperature, contributing to characteristic vasomotor symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats. These hormonal fluctuations can begin several years before the final menstrual period.

Oestrogen influences many tissues beyond the reproductive system, which is why menopause symptoms can be wide-ranging. Changes may affect sleep, mood, concentration, skin, hair, joints, muscles, the urinary tract and genital tissues. Vaginal dryness, irritation, discomfort during sex, reduced sexual desire and urinary symptoms can develop as oestrogen levels decline. Some people experience headaches, palpitations, anxiety, low mood or problems with memory and concentration. Sleep disruption caused by night sweats can further contribute to tiredness, irritability and difficulty concentrating. Symptoms and their severity vary considerably, and some people experience very few difficulties.

Menopause most commonly occurs naturally with age, but symptoms can develop earlier when ovarian function declines prematurely or following certain medical treatments. Surgical removal of both ovaries can cause an abrupt menopause, while chemotherapy, radiotherapy and some medications can affect ovarian function. Longer-term reductions in oestrogen are also relevant to bone and cardiovascular health, although individual risk depends on many factors. Importantly, symptoms occurring around menopausal age should not automatically be attributed to menopause: thyroid disorders, anaemia, medication effects and other health conditions can produce similar symptoms and may require separate investigation.

How far along is it?

Early

Hormone levels begin fluctuating and periods may become irregular. Early menopause symptoms can include hot flushes, night sweats, sleep problems, mood changes, headaches, breast tenderness or changes in sexual desire.

Moderate

Menopause is reached when someone has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, where there is no other medical explanation. Symptoms such as hot flushes, sleep disruption, mood changes and vaginal or urinary symptoms may continue.

Advanced

The years following menopause are known as postmenopause. Some symptoms improve over time, while others — particularly vaginal dryness and urinary or genital symptoms — may persist or develop later. Longer-term bone and cardiovascular health also become increasingly important.

What addresses it?

Treatments that address this

Female hormone checkup→

Professional advice is worthwhile when menopause symptoms interfere with sleep, work, relationships, sexual health, emotional wellbeing or everyday activities. There is no requirement to wait until periods have completely stopped before discussing symptoms, as support can be appropriate during perimenopause.

It is particularly important to seek medical advice if menopause-like symptoms occur before the age of 45, and especially before 40, as earlier loss of ovarian function may require further assessment. New or unexplained symptoms should also be evaluated rather than automatically attributed to menopause.

Quick Questions:

What are the most common symptoms of menopause?

Common symptoms include hot flushes, night sweats, irregular periods, sleep difficulties, mood changes, anxiety, problems with concentration, vaginal dryness, reduced libido and changes in urinary or sexual health.

What are the first signs of menopause?

For many people, the first sign is a change in menstrual patterns during perimenopause. Periods may become irregular, and hot flushes, night sweats, sleep problems or mood changes can begin before periods stop completely.

How long can menopause symptoms last?

The duration varies considerably. Some people experience symptoms for a relatively short period, while others have symptoms for several years. Certain vaginal and urinary symptoms may persist after other menopause symptoms have improved.

Can menopause symptoms start while you are still having periods?

Yes. Symptoms commonly begin during perimenopause, when periods are still occurring but hormone levels are fluctuating. You do not need to have stopped having periods to experience significant menopause symptoms.