What is Menopause?
Menopause is when your monthly menstruation (menstrual period or period) stops and you can no longer get pregnant. You have reached menopause only after it has been a full year since your last period. This means you have not had any bleeding, including spotting, for 12 months in a row.
Menopause usually affects women between the ages of 45 and 55, but it can happen earlier. It affects anyone who has periods.
95% of women, experience menopause after the age of 45.
What is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the time period leading up to menopause. It is characterized by fluctuating hormone levels. Symptoms of perimenopause may occur earlier, but most women experience the physical and emotional changes of perimenopause in their 40s or early 50s when:
What are the changes that happen with menopause?
With menopause, there can be physical, emotional and mental changes, as well as changes to social well-being. Symptoms that people experience vary from person to person. Some people have few symptoms, while others may experience severe symptoms.
Symptoms of menopause include:
hot flashes
night sweats
tiredness (fatigue)
aches and pains in the joints
change in sexual desire
changes in skin texture and appearance
bladder control difficulty
vaginal dryness
changes in sleep (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep)
mood changes such as depression or anxiety
memory problems
Edited December 2024
Want to learn more?
If you have questions about menopause, speak to your primary health care provider. You can also visit the following websites for more information:
