Q1. What is the menopause?

A1. This is the medical term for a natural part of the ageing process. It is a time in every woman’s life when she reaches the end of her childbearing years.

It is characterised by falling hormone levels and fertility which disrupts the menstrual cycle. Menstrual periods become irregular and occur less over time before eventually stopping.

A woman is considered to have reached the menopause on the day of her last menstrual period.

These hormonal changes cause a range of physical and psychological symptoms which vary in extent. Some women will experience a few symptoms whereas other women have severe symptoms of the menopause.

The menopause is commonly known as the ‘change of life’.It consists of a series of stages known as the perimenopause, premenopause and the postmenopause and occurs over several years.

Find out more in our what is the menopause? section.

FAQ:

Menopause FAQs

1. What is the menopause?
2. What age do you start the menopause?
3. What is a ‘premature menopause?’
4. What is the ‘perimenopause?’
5. What is the ‘premenopause?’
6. What are symptoms of the menopause?
7. Can you become pregnant whilst going through the menopause?
8. Why do you put on weight during the menopause?
9. What are hot flushes?
10. My mother started the menopause at the age of 46, will I do the same?

11. What are mood swings?
12. Why do women lose interest in sex during the menopause?
13. Can you still be sexually active after the menopause?
14. Why do women fear the menopause?
15. What is HRT?
16. Why is there so much controversy around HRT?
17. What treatment is available for the menopause?
18. How likely am I to develop osteoporosis?
19. How long does the menopause last?
20. What is the ‘postmenopause?’