Women experience menopause in unique ways. Each year, about 1.3 million women in the UK go through this natural transition. Some women notice subtle changes in their bodies, while others face more noticeable signs of menopause that affect their daily lives.
Knowledge about these physical and emotional changes helps women guide through this life phase confidently. The signs and symptoms vary from person to person. You might experience irregular periods, hot flushes, mood swings, or sleep problems. This detailed guide gets into the main signs of menopause, explains why they happen, and shows you the treatment options available. These insights will help you make better health choices during this transition.
A woman’s body goes through three distinct stages during menopause. Each stage brings specific biological changes and lasts for different periods. Women can better adapt to their body’s natural progression by learning about these stages.
The body starts its transition with perimenopause. The ovaries reduce their oestrogen and progesterone production during this time [1]. Most women notice irregular menstrual cycles and their first signs of menopause.
Menopause marks a specific point rather than a long phase. Medical professionals confirm it after 12 months without a menstrual period [2]. The ovaries completely stop releasing eggs at this stage.
The years following menopause are known as postmenopause. This stage lasts throughout a woman’s remaining life [3]. Some symptoms might ease up, but women need to stay aware of their health needs during this phase.
Each woman’s menopausal stages happen at different times:
The length of menopause transition is different for each woman. Several factors affect how long it lasts:
Lifestyle factors and genetics play a vital role in each woman’s transition length. A woman’s body mass index can change when symptoms start [5]. Race and smoking habits affect how long symptoms last [4].
Symptom intensity often relates to the transition’s length. Women who see early signs of menopause should prepare for a longer transition period [6]. This knowledge helps healthcare providers give better individual guidance and support throughout the process.
Hormones work together to create major changes throughout a woman’s body during menopause. These changes in hormone levels cause the most common signs of menopause.
Oestrogen, the main female sex hormone, goes through major changes during menopause. The body makes less estradiol, the most common form of oestrogen. This drop starts about two years before the final period and levels out roughly two years after [13, 18].
Lower oestrogen levels affect the whole body:
The body makes more follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) when oestrogen levels drop. FSH levels usually go above 30 IU/L during perimenopause [8]. Some women’s levels can reach 70-90 IU/L after menopause [8].
These hormone levels don’t follow a simple pattern. They can swing wildly from one day to the next during perimenopause [9]. FSH levels rise more than LH levels because the kidneys don’t clear it as quickly [10].
The changes spread beyond just reproductive hormones. Several other important shifts happen:
The body switches from making mostly estradiol to estrone [11], which comes from converting androgens in peripheral tissues [10]. While total testosterone stays fairly steady, less sex hormone-binding globulin means changes in usable testosterone [12].
These hormone shifts affect many body systems. Less oestrogen can make immune disorders worse, and many women in perimenopause have stronger inflammatory reactions [7]. The changes also affect how the body makes antioxidants and influence mitochondrial function in many tissues, including the brain [7].
Hormones interact in complex ways during this time. To name just one example, see how oestrogen directly affects mitochondrial activity, which then impacts how cells produce energy [7]. These complex connections help explain why women’s symptoms can vary so much during their menopausal trip.
Physical signs of menopause appear in different ways. Women experience these changes uniquely, and symptoms can range from mild to severe.
Hot flashes are the most common sign of menopause. These affect about 75% of women in the United States [13]. A typical hot flash lasts between one to five minutes [14]. The face, neck, and chest areas feel these sensations most. Women usually experience:
Night sweats are hot flashes that happen during sleep and can substantially affect rest patterns. These symptoms usually last more than seven years [14]. Some women’s symptoms continue for over a decade.
Women’s menstrual cycles change considerably as they approach menopause. Periods become irregular at first, with cycles growing shorter or longer. Research shows that early perimenopause often brings short menstrual cycles lasting less than 21 days [15]. Later in the transition, cycles can stretch to 90 days or more [15].
A woman’s bleeding patterns also change during this time. They might notice:
The body goes through many physical changes during menopause. Women’s metabolism changes as their bodies start to store energy more efficiently [3]. This often leads to weight gain around the middle area.
Bone density changes happen quickly too. Lower oestrogen levels speed up bone mass loss [3]. This can increase fracture risks. Muscle mass might decrease while joints often become stiffer and achier.
The vaginal area experiences substantial changes. Less oestrogen makes the vagina drier with reduced elasticity [16]. This can cause discomfort during intimate moments. Many women also deal with increased urinary frequency or incontinence [3].
These physical signs of menopause start, last, and affect each woman differently. Understanding these changes helps women recognise and manage them better during their menopausal transition.
Menopause affects women’s emotional well-being and cognitive function way beyond physical changes. These mental health symptoms can be just as challenging as physical ones, but they don’t get enough attention.
Women experience notable emotional ups and downs during their menopausal transition. Studies show that over half of women going through perimenopause deal with depressive symptoms [17]. Women commonly experience:
Anxiety and depression risks increase throughout the menopausal experience. Approximately 20% of women develop depression symptoms during this time [18]. Women who have dealt with depression before face twice the risk of depressive episodes during perimenopause [19].
Several factors play a role in these psychological changes. Hormone levels affect brain chemistry directly through their effect on serotonin levels [18]. A woman’s likelihood of developing these symptoms depends on:
Changes in cognitive function rank among the most common signs of menopause. Between 44% and 62% of women report cognitive decline during this transition
[20]. These changes show up as:
| Cognitive Area | Common Challenges |
| Memory | Difficulty with recent recall and delayed recall |
| Focus | Problems maintaining concentration |
| Processing | Slower thinking and decision-making |
| Organisation | Trouble with daily planning and tasks |
Hormones and brain function share a close connection that explains many of these changes. The brain receives less glucose – its main fuel source – when oestrogen levels drop [21]. Research shows that most cognitive changes don’t last forever, and many women return to their normal cognitive function after menopause [22].
Women can manage these psychological symptoms through stress management techniques and lifestyle changes. CBT works particularly well for both mood- related and cognitive symptoms [23]. These psychological changes can substantially affect a woman’s quality of life if left unaddressed during menopause.
Hormonal changes combined with life circumstances often make these psychological symptoms worse. Taking care of ageing parents, changing careers, and relationship dynamics can add to the emotional challenges [24]. Women feel more supported when they understand these psychological signs are normal and that help is accessible.
Doctors diagnose menopause by observing clinical signs and sometimes using lab tests. They look at a woman’s age and symptoms to make the right diagnosis.
Blood tests can show hormone levels, but doctors don’t always need them for diagnosis. Here are the most common hormone tests:
| Hormone Type | Purpose | Key Information |
| FSH | Measures ovarian function | Levels above 30 IU/L suggest menopause [25] |
| Estradiol | Checks oestrogen levels | Decreases notably during menopause |
| TSH | Rules out thyroid conditions | Important as thyroid issues can mimic menopause [26] |
You can find home testing kits, but they have their limits. These kits measure FSH in urine, but the results might not tell the whole story because hormone levels change throughout the day [26]. Women who take hormonal contraception or hormone replacement therapy should stay away from home testing. These medications can throw off the results [5].
You should see a doctor if:
Doctors might recommend hormone tests to confirm diagnosis if you’re 40-45 and have menopausal symptoms [5]. They could also suggest thyroid function tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms [26].
The main sign of menopause is not having periods for 12 months straight [6]. But some things can make diagnosis tricky:
2. Age-Related Considerations:
Doctors usually skip routine hormone testing for women over 45 who show typical menopausal symptoms [25]. This makes sense because hormone levels can change a lot throughout the day, which might lead to misleading test results [28].
Health monitoring becomes crucial during the menopausal transition. Women need regular physical exams that focus on breast, pelvic, and bone health [29]. These check-ups help catch and address any health issues early.
The diagnostic process often includes keeping track of symptoms. Your doctor might ask you to keep a symptom diary to note how often you experience various signs of menopause and how severe they are. This information helps paint a clearer picture of your menopausal transition and guides treatment choices.
Women need different treatments to manage their menopause signs. Medical professionals suggest several options based on how severe the symptoms are and each woman’s health factors.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) works best to manage menopausal symptoms [30]. The therapy comes in different forms:
| HRT Type | Administration Method | Best Suited For |
| Systemic Oestrogen | Pills, patches, gels, sprays | Overall symptom relief |
| Local Oestrogen | Creams, rings, tablets | Vaginal symptoms |
| Combined Therapy | Pills, patches | Women with intact uterus |
Healthcare providers prescribe the lowest dose that works for the shortest time needed [31]. HRT benefits go beyond symptom relief and help prevent bone loss while reducing fracture risk in postmenopausal women [2].
Women who can’t or don’t want to use HRT have several non-hormonal options:
These medications might cause side effects and need careful monitoring. Healthcare providers start with low doses and adjust them based on how each woman responds.
Natural and complementary approaches give more options to women who want non-pharmaceutical solutions. Many health shops stock products that target menopause symptoms [33]. These include:
Keep in mind that herbal remedies, though marketed as ‘natural,’ don’t face the same regulations as conventional medicines [33]. Product quality and safety can vary substantially.
Body identical hormones are different from bioidentical hormones and have become a regulated and well-researched option [33]. These hormones go through strict testing to ensure they’re safe and work well.
Lifestyle changes are a vital part of managing menopause signs. Regular exercise, especially aerobic activities, helps reduce various symptoms [34]. Physical activity combined with stress management techniques and dietary changes often brings extra relief.
Alternative treatments’ success rates vary. To cite an instance, some women benefit from acupuncture or aromatherapy, but scientific evidence supporting these approaches remains limited [34]. Women should ask their healthcare providers about any complementary treatments before starting them.
Medical professionals often recommend mixing different approaches based on each woman’s needs. Treatment choice depends on: Symptom severity
Regular checkups and treatment adjustments will give optimal results. Healthcare providers suggest yearly reviews of hormone therapy [31] to assess benefits and risks continuously.
Menopause is a vital milestone in a woman’s life that brings challenges and opens doors to personal growth. Each woman experiences different symptoms, and knowing about these changes helps them make better decisions about their health and well-being.
Modern medicine gives women many treatment choices. These range from hormone replacement therapy to alternative remedies, and help each woman find what works best for her. Changes in lifestyle and regular doctor visits are vital ways to handle both physical and mental symptoms.
Menopause is just a natural part of life, not a medical condition that needs immediate attention. Women who spot early signs and get proper guidance tend to have an easier time during this phase. Knowledge about hormone changes, treatment options, and support systems helps women face this stage confidently and keep their quality of life strong throughout this time.
Q1. How can I tell if I’m entering menopause?
Menopause typically begins in your 40s or 50s, with the average age being 51. The primary indicator is the absence of menstrual periods for 12 consecutive months. Other signs may include irregular periods, hot flashes, mood changes, and sleep disturbances.
Q2. What are the most common symptoms of menopause?
Common menopausal symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, irregular periods, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and changes in libido. Some women may also experience difficulty sleeping, weight gain, and changes in skin and hair texture.
Q3. Are there any health risks associated with menopause?
Post-menopausal women may face increased risks of certain health conditions, including heart disease, osteoporosis, and urinary tract issues. It’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, and to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
Q4. What treatments are available for managing menopausal symptoms?
Treatment options range from hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to non- hormonal medications and lifestyle changes. HRT is often the most effective for symptom relief, but alternatives like antidepressants or herbal remedies may be suitable for some women. Always consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best approach for your individual needs.
Q5. Can exercise help with menopausal symptoms?
Yes, regular exercise can be beneficial during menopause. Weight-bearing exercises like walking or dancing, and resistance training can help maintain bone density, manage weight, and improve mood. Additionally, exercise may help reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes and improve sleep quality.
Accepting payments via
YourHealthBasket © 2025
detoxpeople Ltd
Registered in England & Wales 07156741
VAT reg GB 103 3641 60
Our new practitioner portal has been released and it’s now easier than ever to link a client’s account and provide them with suggestions using our new protocol system.
Convert your current cart into a protocol which can then be assigned to a linked client.
