Overview
Menopause is the natural process marking the end of a woman's menstrual cycles, diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a period. It typically occurs in a woman's late 40s to early 50s (average age 51 in the UK). The period leading up to menopause, called perimenopause, involves hormonal changes that cause a wide range of symptoms. Menopause is not a disease but a normal life transition; however, symptoms can be severe and significantly affect quality of life.
Causes and risk factors
The following factors are associated with the development of Menopause:
- Natural decline in oestrogen and progesterone with ageing
- Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) before age 40
- Surgical menopause after bilateral oophorectomy (ovary removal)
- Chemotherapy or radiation therapy affecting ovaries
- Certain medications affecting hormone production
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms of Menopause include:
- Hot flushes — sudden intense heat in upper body
- Night sweats and disrupted sleep
- Irregular periods during perimenopause
- Vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex
- Mood changes: irritability, anxiety, depression
- Difficulty concentrating and memory problems
- Reduced libido
- Joint and muscle aches
- Dry skin and hair changes
- Increased urinary urgency or frequency
- Weight gain around the abdomen
Diagnosis
Menopause is typically diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and appropriate investigations such as blood tests, imaging, or specialist review, depending on the specific condition and presentation. Your doctor will consider all relevant symptoms and risk factors before making a diagnosis.
Treatment options
Treatment approaches for Menopause may include:
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) — most effective treatment for hot flushes
- Local vaginal oestrogen for vaginal dryness
- Non-hormonal options: SSRIs, venlafaxine, gabapentin for hot flushes
- Clonidine for hot flushes
- Vaginal moisturisers and lubricants
- Lifestyle: regular exercise, healthy diet, limiting alcohol and caffeine
- Cognitive behavioural therapy for mood and sleep
- Calcium and vitamin D for bone protection
Prevention
Menopause cannot be prevented. HRT and lifestyle measures can significantly reduce the impact of symptoms and long-term health risks.
Complications
If left untreated or poorly managed, Menopause can lead to complications including:
Osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease risk increases, urogenital atrophy, and cognitive changes.
Sources and references: This article is written in accordance with NHS UK, WHO, and Mayo Clinic clinical guidelines. It is reviewed for accuracy by the SymptomSense content team. ICD-10 code: N95. Last reviewed June 2026.