Scott Weaver
Updated at: January 06, 2025 · 4 min read
When Does Menopause Start?
Menopause marks a natural stage in a woman's life, signifying the end of reproductive years. It occurs when the ovaries stop producing certain hormones, particularly oestrogen, and is an integral part of the ageing process. This guide explains when menopause typically starts, what to expect, and how to manage its symptoms effectively.
Key Takeaways
When Does Menopause Start?
Menopause usually occurs between ages 45 and 55, with the average age being 51. Before menopause, women experience perimenopause, a transitional phase often starting in their 40s. Some women may experience premature menopause before 40, affecting about 1 in 100 women.
What Are the Symptoms of Menopause?
Symptoms include irregular periods, hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and sleep disturbances. These changes are caused by the natural decline in oestrogen, which affects the menstrual cycle, mood regulation, and bone health.
How to Manage Menopause Symptoms
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Helps ease symptoms by replenishing hormones, available as tablets, patches, or gels.
Targeted Treatments: Use lubricating creams for vaginal dryness or herbal remedies for better sleep.
Lifestyle Adjustments: A healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management techniques like yoga can improve well-being. Always consult your GP for personalised advice and treatments.
When Does Menopause Typically Start?
Menopause varies for each woman, but it generally occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average age being 51. However, some women experience premature menopause, occurring before the age of 40, which affects approximately 1 in 100 women.
Key Points:
Perimenopause: This transitional phase leading up to menopause often starts several years earlier, typically in the 40s, but can begin earlier.
Postmenopause: The stage after menopause is confirmed (12 consecutive months without a period).
What Happens During Menopause?
Menopause occurs when the ovaries produce less oestrogen, leading to the cessation of ovulation and menstruation. This hormonal shift brings various physical and emotional changes.
Common Symptoms:
Irregular periods: One of the first signs of menopause is unpredictable menstrual cycles.
Hot flushes: Sudden feelings of heat, often accompanied by sweating and a flushed face.
Night sweats: Hot flushes occurring during sleep, disrupting rest.
Mood swings: Emotional changes, including irritability, anxiety, and low mood.
Vaginal dryness: Reduced lubrication, which can cause discomfort during sex.
Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling or staying asleep.
What Causes Menopausal Symptoms?
The decline in oestrogen impacts various bodily functions, leading to a range of symptoms:
The Role of Oestrogen:
Menstrual cycle: Oestrogen regulates ovulation, so its decline stops periods and reduces fertility.
Sexual health: It maintains vaginal lubrication, which is why vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex are common during menopause.
Other effects: Oestrogen affects bone health, mood regulation, and body temperature, which explains many menopausal symptoms.
The changes happening in your body can have a number of other unpleasant knock-on effects and there are over 53 symptoms of menopause to look out for.
How is Menopause Diagnosed?
Menopause is typically identified based on age and symptoms. However, for women under 45 experiencing symptoms, a GP consultation is essential to rule out other conditions.
Diagnostic Tools:
Symptom assessment: Identifying common menopausal signs.
Blood tests: Measuring hormone levels to confirm menopause, especially for women under 45.
Treatments for Menopause
While menopause is a natural process, its symptoms can significantly affect quality of life. Effective treatments and lifestyle adjustments can help manage this transition.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT):
What it does: Replenishes declining hormone levels to ease symptoms.
Available forms: Tablets, patches, gels, or implants.
Popular brands: Options like Elleste and Zumenon are widely used in the UK.
Targeted Symptom Treatments:
Vaginal dryness: Lubricating creams or gels such as KY Jelly.
Sleep issues: Nytol herbal tablets or improved sleep hygiene.
Headaches: Products like 4head sticks.
Mood swings: Speaking to a counsellor or therapist can help manage anxiety and low mood.
Lifestyle Changes:
Diet: Focus on calcium-rich foods to maintain bone health.
Exercise: Regular physical activity can improve mood and bone strength.
Stress management: Techniques like yoga or mindfulness may help.
Final Thoughts
Menopause is a natural stage in every woman’s life, but its symptoms don’t have to be endured without support. If you’re experiencing symptoms or suspect menopause has begun, speak to your GP about the best treatment options for you.
For convenient access to menopause treatments, including HRT, choose UK Meds. Our free online consultation service with an registered independent prescriber ensures safe and tailored care.
Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Alexis Missick MBChB. MRCGP
GMC reference no: 7151419
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