What Is Menopause?
Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. While it’s often associated with symptoms like hot flushes or mood changes, menopause is a lot more than that. Understanding what menopause is and what it means for your body can help you navigate this phase with greater confidence and clarity.
Here’s a straightforward explanation of menopause, what causes it, and what you can expect.
What Happens During Menopause?
Menopause occurs when the ovaries stop releasing eggs and hormone levels—especially oestrogen and progesterone—drop significantly. This hormonal shift leads to the end of menstrual periods and signals the end of fertility.
Menopause is officially diagnosed when you’ve gone 12 consecutive months without a period. For most women, this happens between the ages of 45 and 55, though some experience it earlier or later.
What Causes Menopause?
Menopause is a natural part of ageing, but it can also occur earlier due to specific causes:
Natural Menopause: This happens as part of the ageing process, typically in your late 40s or early 50s, when your ovaries naturally reduce hormone production.
Surgical Menopause: If both ovaries are removed (for example, during a hysterectomy), menopause occurs immediately.
Medical Menopause: Certain treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation, can damage the ovaries and trigger early menopause.
Premature or Early Menopause: Some women experience menopause before the age of 40 (premature menopause) or between 40 and 45 (early menopause). This can happen due to genetic factors, autoimmune conditions, or unknown reasons.
Common Symptoms of Menopause
Every woman’s experience with menopause is unique. Some have mild symptoms, while others find the changes more challenging. Common symptoms include:
Hot flushes and night sweats
Irregular periods or no periods at all
Mood swings, anxiety, or low mood
Sleep disturbances
Vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex
Fatigue and brain fog
It’s worth noting that some symptoms, like hot flushes, may ease over time, while others, such as vaginal changes, can persist without treatment.
Why Does Menopause Matter?
Menopause not only signals the end of fertility but also brings changes that can affect long-term health. For example:
Bone Health: The drop in oestrogen increases the risk of osteoporosis, making bones weaker and more prone to fractures.
Heart Health: Lower oestrogen levels can raise the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Pelvic Health: Vaginal and urinary changes are common due to reduced oestrogen.
Understanding these changes is essential to maintaining your health during and after menopause.
How Can Menopause Be Managed?
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to managing menopause, but there are options to help you feel better and reduce risks:
Lifestyle Changes: A balanced diet, regular exercise, and good sleep hygiene can make a big difference.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): This can help manage symptoms and protect against bone and heart disease for some women.
Non-Hormonal Treatments: Options like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or vaginal moisturisers can help with specific symptoms.
Support Networks: Talking to others who are going through menopause can help you feel less alone.
Menopause is a natural phase of life, but it’s not always easy. By understanding what menopause is and how it affects your body, you can take steps to manage symptoms and protect your health.
If you’re unsure about what stage you’re in or how to manage your symptoms, speak to a healthcare professional for personalised advice. Want extra support? I offer a 121 call - find out more here.
