What is Menopause ?
- Jan 27
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 13
By Dr. Joanne Hobson, Clinical Lead Director of TMC
Menopause is a significant transition in a woman’s life, marking the end of menstrual cycles and fertility, whether naturally or through surgical/chemical intervention.
As Clinical Lead Director at The Menopause Consortium (TMC), I have witnessed first-hand the profound impact menopause can have on women’s physical and emotional well-being.
In this article I aim to provide comprehensive insights into menopause management, empowering women to navigate this natural phase with confidence and support.
What is Menopause?
Menopause is defined as the point in time when a woman has not had a menstrual period for twelve consecutive months.
⏳ It typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, though experiences can vary widely.
The transition leading up to menopause, known as perimenopause, can begin several years earlier and is accompanied by a range of symptoms due to fluctuating hormone levels, particularly oestrogen and progesterone.
For many women, menopause is a natural and gradual transition.
However, some may undergo surgical menopause, such as the removal of the ovaries, or experience chemical menopause through treatments like chemotherapy.
Unlike the gradual onset of natural menopause, surgical or chemical menopause occurs abruptly and can lead to significant and immediate effects, including severe hot flashes 🔥🥵, mood swings 😡, and an increased risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular issues.
These induced forms of menopause often require additional medical support to manage the sudden hormonal changes and associated symptoms. 👩⚕️💙
✨ Five Reproductive Life Stages ✨
Menopause can be a natural phase in a woman’s life for some, for others it may be surgically or chemically induced.
Definitions of the stages are;
🌱 Puberty
Puberty is the exciting phase where a biological female body transitions from childhood to adolescence. Hormones kick in to support growth, develop secondary sexual characteristics, and set the stage for lifelong hormonal health.
🌸 Reproductive Phase
In the Reproductive Phase, your body experiences peak fertility. Regular menstrual cycles, ovulation, and balanced hormone fluctuations support your ability to conceive if you wish to, while also playing a key role in overall health and well-being.
🔄 Perimenopause
Perimenopause is the transition leading up to menopause. During this period, hormone levels begin to fluctuate, often resulting in psychological and physiological symptoms as your body prepares for the next chapter.
📅 Menopause Day
Menopause Day marks the moment when 12 consecutive months have passed without menstruation.
🌿 Post-Menopause
In Post-Menopause, your hormone levels stabilise at a lower level. This phase is all about adapting to a new hormonal landscape and focusing on practices that support long-term health.
📊 Key Statistics on Menopause 📊
📌 Prevalence and Onset 📌
✅ The average age of menopause in developed countries is 51 years, with a typical range of 45 to 55 years.
✅ Approximately 5% of women experience premature menopause (before age 40).
✅ Around 1% of women experience primary ovarian insufficiency, a condition that mimics early menopause.
📌 Symptoms 📌
🔥 Up to 75% of women experience hot flushes, which can last an average of 7 years.
💤 About 60% of menopausal women report sleep disturbances.
😔 Depression and anxiety are reported in 20% of perimenopausal women.
📌 Health Impacts 📌
🦴 Postmenopausal women are at a 2–3 times higher risk of osteoporosis-related fractures due to bone density loss.
❤️ Cardiovascular disease risk increases after menopause, with heart disease being the leading cause of death in postmenopausal women.
📌 Global Trends 📌
🌍 By 2030, it is estimated that 1.2 billion women worldwide will be postmenopausal, with approximately 47 million women entering menopause each year.
🧬 Hormonal Changes During Menopause 🧬
Menopause is primarily driven by changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, leading to a decline in oestrogen and progesterone levels. 📉⚖️
✨ Oestrogen plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological functions, including:
✔️ Bone density 🦴
✔️ Cardiovascular health ❤️
✔️ Skin elasticity 🌿
Its decline contributes to many of the symptoms and health risks associated with menopause.
💡 Common Symptoms of Menopause 💡
🔥 Vasomotor Symptoms: 🔥
Hot flushes 🌡️
Night sweats 😓
💧 Urogenital Symptoms: 💧
Vaginal dryness 🩹
Pain during intercourse 💔
🧠 Psychological Symptoms: 🧠
Mood swings 😠
Anxiety 😟
Depression 😞
🏋️♀️ Physical Symptoms: 🏋️♀️
Fatigue 😴
Joint pain 🤕
Weight gain ⚖️
💡 Evidence-Based Interventions for Managing Menopause 💡
💊 Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT):
✔️ HRT is considered the most effective treatment for managing moderate to severe menopausal symptoms. It involves supplementing oestrogen, often combined with progesterone. 💉
🏃♀️ Lifestyle Modifications:
✔️ Regular exercise 🏋️♀️ can alleviate mood swings and improve bone density.
✔️ A diet rich in calcium & vitamin D 🥦 supports bone health.
✔️ Mindfulness & yoga 🧘♀️ can reduce stress and improve sleep quality. 😴
🌿 Non-Hormonal Treatments:
✔️ Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) 🧠 is effective for managing menopausal depression & anxiety.
✔️ Vaginal moisturisers & lubricants 💧 can address urogenital symptoms.
🌱 Alternative Therapies:
✔️ Phytoestrogens (plant-derived oestrogens) found in soy & flaxseed 🌰 may offer mild symptom relief.
✔️ Acupuncture 🩹 has shown promise in reducing hot flushes in some studies.
🔍 Dispelling Myths About Menopause 🔍
❌ Myth: Menopause marks the end of vitality.
✅ Fact: Many women continue to lead vibrant, active lives post-menopause. 💃
❌ Myth: Menopause only affects older women.
✅ Fact: Perimenopause can begin in the early 40s, and some women experience premature menopause. ⏳
❌ Myth: Hormone therapy is universally dangerous.
✅ Fact: While HRT is not suitable for everyone, it is safe & effective for many women when prescribed appropriately. 💊
🏁 Conclusion 🏁
Menopause is a complex biological transition with far-reaching effects on women’s health. Understanding its definition, stages, and key statistics helps demystify the process and empowers women to seek appropriate care.
Evidence-based interventions, from HRT to lifestyle changes, offer effective strategies for managing symptoms and mitigating long-term risks. By addressing menopause with accurate information & empathy, we can foster a healthier, more supportive approach to this natural phase of life. 💖
📢 IMPORTANT 📢
We hope you’ve found this article useful. However, it cannot be a substitute for a consultation with a specialist. If you’re concerned about symptoms you’re experiencing or require further information, please reach out to us via our
TALK TO US (contact us can be found at the bottom of our homepage). 📞💬
Dr. Joanne Hobson, Clinical Lead Director of TMC.
MBBS, DRCOG, BMS Menopause Specialist, Member of the Institute of Psychosexual Health, Member of National Association for Pre Menstrual Syndrome (NAPS)
Dr. Joanne Hobson is a renowned expert in menopause care and women's well-being.
A British Menopause Society Specialist and member of the Institute of Psychosexual Health, she has dedicated her career to transforming menopause care and advancing healthcare education. With over 15 years of experience in the NHS and private practice, Dr. Hobson has become a leading voice in community gynaecology and menopause care, known for her empathetic and evidence-based approach.
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