Real Talk Education

Menopause is the term used to describe when a woman experiences changes and symptoms relating to fluctuating and falling hormone levels in her body.

Perimenopause: This is the transition period leading up to menopause and can last for up to 10 years. Typically, it usually starts in a woman’s 40s but can begin as early as her mid-30s. Every woman will go through this change, although not every woman will have symptoms. Symptoms commonly experienced include hot flushes, night sweats, brain fog, low mood, changes to skin and hair, poor sleep, tiredness, and low libido. Periods will often change, becoming less predictable, heavier, and maybe not as regular. During perimenopause, levels of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone decline, causing menopause symptoms.

Menopause: Defined by 12 consecutive months without a period, it is the time in a woman’s life when her period stops permanently, and she can no longer get pregnant. It typically occurs around age 51 but can happen sooner or later. Some women find relief from the bothersome symptoms of perimenopause, while others may experience new health problems, such as vaginal dryness, urinary difficulties, and osteoporosis. Hormonal changes during menopause may also increase the risk of heart disease and memory problems. Menopause under the age of 40 is known as early menopause.

Post-menopause: This is the stage after a woman has gone 12 months without a period. Women in post-menopause no longer have menstrual cycles and can no longer become pregnant. They may experience changes in their health due to the decline in oestrogen levels, such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sleep problems, and mood changes. Many women enter post-menopause feeling healthy and experience few physical changes, but some women do have lingering menopausal symptoms or develop new health problems.

Late-life or secondary menopause: This occurs when menstruation stops abruptly due to medical treatment or surgery (such as a hysterectomy) rather than natural ageing processes. This can be a difficult transition for women who are not expecting it, causing significant changes in hormone levels leading to side effects such as hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and more.

Menopause symptoms vary, but common early signs include irregular periods, hot flashes, sleep problems, and mood changes.

Symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, weight gain, brain fog, difficulty sleeping, vaginal dryness, and changes in hair or skin. Research by Gen M identified 48 symptoms, with most women only being aware of a few. Building awareness and education around these symptoms is crucial. Gen M and Paused.com are committed to raising awareness of the 48 menopause symptoms and offering women the support and education they need.

The primary cause is the natural ageing process. As a woman gets older, her body produces less oestrogen and progesterone, leading to symptoms. Stress, certain medical conditions, medications, and poor diet can also trigger or exacerbate symptoms.

Symptoms can last between four and eight years, but some women may experience them for life.

Menopause is a permanent change, but the transition can last several years. For 10% of women, it can last up to 12 years.

During perimenopause, periods may become more or less frequent, and they may become heavier. Some women experience flooding and pass clots. Prolonged heavy bleeding can lead to iron deficiency.

Natural management includes exercise, a healthy diet, food supplements like Sage, Hops, Red Clover, or Black Cohosh, acupuncture, and hypnosis.

Stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, and hormone imbalances can intensify symptoms.

Benefits include no longer needing contraception, self-discovery, potential weight loss, and improved sex life.