Menopause - meaning and definition
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Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.
Definition
Menopause is the point when periods stop permanently because the ovaries no longer release eggs, confirmed after 12 months without a period. It most often happens between about 45 and 55.
At a glance
- Menopause is when periods stop permanently, confirmed after 12 months without a period.
- It most often happens between about 45 and 55, but can occur earlier naturally or after medical treatment.
- Falling estrogen can cause hot flushes, night sweats, sleep problems, mood changes and vaginal dryness.
- It also affects long-term bone and heart health.
- Options include hormone replacement therapy, non-hormonal medicines, vaginal moisturisers and lifestyle changes.
In detail
Menopause can also happen earlier, naturally or because of surgery, chemotherapy or other treatment. Falling estrogen can bring hot flushes, night sweats, sleep problems, mood changes, brain fog and vaginal dryness, and it affects long-term bone and heart health.
Experiences range from barely noticeable to seriously disruptive. Options include hormone replacement therapy, non-hormonal medicines, vaginal moisturisers and lubricants, and lifestyle changes. A doctor can help weigh the benefits and risks of each approach for an individual.
In a sentence
- My mum says the hot flushes were the hardest part of menopause for her.
- Our workplace introduced a menopause policy so staff can ask for adjustments.
Where the word comes from
From French menespausie, coined in the 19th century from Greek men (month) and pausis (stopping).
Not to be confused with
- Perimenopause
Perimenopause is the transition leading up to menopause, when symptoms often begin while periods still happen.
Common questions
What age does menopause usually happen?
Most often between about 45 and 55. It can happen earlier, either naturally or because of surgery, chemotherapy or other treatment. Menopause is confirmed when someone has gone 12 months without a period.
What treatments are available for menopause symptoms?
Options include hormone replacement therapy, non-hormonal medicines, vaginal moisturisers and lubricants, and lifestyle changes. Each has benefits and risks that depend on the individual, so a doctor can help weigh them up.