The menopause is when a woman stops having periods. It's a natural part of ageing that usually happens between 45 and 55 years old, though it can happen earlier.
The years around menopause can be likened to puberty in reverse, where hormonal changes mark the end stage of a woman's reproductive journey.
Watch Dr Gen explain what really happens to your body during menopause!
Menopause is typically confirmed when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. It can also occur if a woman's ovaries are surgically removed.
The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause, or the menopausal transition. This is the time when hormones start to change, but before periods stop completely.
Perimenopause usually begins in a woman's mid-40s, but can start earlier or later for some women.
Perimenopause typically lasts around 4 years but varies woman to woman. For some women it can last up to a decade.
Oestrogen plays a key role in the menstrual cycle by stimulating the release of mature eggs from the ovaries during ovulation.
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As women age, the number and quality of eggs decline, leading to erratic ovulation. This, combined with fluctuations in oestrogen levels, contributes to irregular cycles.
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Decreased oestrogen levels during menopause can lead to various symptoms, including trouble sleeping, irritability, depression, decreased sex drive, osteoporosis, heart disease, vaginal dryness, and hot flushes.
After menopause, women no longer have to deal with menstrual periods and the discomforts associated with them, and they don't have to worry about unintended pregnancy. Some people also report experiencing a new lease for life and feeling more stable hormonally.
Don't worry, you're not alone in not knowing very much about menopause!
If you want to get a better understanding and feel more informed about this important life stage, our workplace course on menopause can help. You can also visit our webpage of menopause resources to learn where to go for further support if you or someone you care about are experiencing menopause symptoms.
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You're on the right track! You've got a pretty good understanding of some aspects of menopause, but there's always more to learn.
If you want to go into a little more detail, our workplace course on menopause can help you feel more informed about this important life stage. Visit our webpage of menopause resources to learn where to go for further support if you or someone you care about are experiencing menopause symptoms.
About us:
Congratulations! You've got a really great understanding of the basic facts around menopause.
If you want to go into a little more detail, our workplace course on menopause can help you feel more informed about this important life stage. Visit our webpage of menopause resources to learn where to go for further support if you or someone you care about are experiencing menopause symptoms.
About us: