What is the menopause?

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Menopause is when your periods stop due to lower hormone levels, which usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55.

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It can sometimes happen earlier than 45 naturally or as a result of surgery to remove the ovaries (oophorectomy) or the uterus (hysterectomy) or cancer treatments.

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What is perimenopause?

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Perimenopause is when you have symptoms before your periods have stopped.

You reach menopause when you have not had a period for 12 months.

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What are the symptoms of the menopause and perimenopause?

• Your periods may be irregular and different to what you are used to until they stop completely
• Hot flushes
• Headaches
• Muscle and joint pain
• Weight gain
• Vaginal dryness
• Change in libido
• Palpitations
• Changes to your skin
• Night sweats and difficulty sleeping
• Mood swings, anxiety and low mood
• Memory problems

What is the treatment for the menopause and perimenopause?

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Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

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HRT comes in the forms of gels, sprays, tablets, implants or skin patches and work by replacing the oestrogen hormone in your body.

If you haven't had a hysterectomy and still have your uterus (womb), you will also need to take progesterone to protect the lining of the uterus. Progesterone can be taken in the form of tablets, a coil or in a combined patch with oestrogen.

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