The menopause is your last menstrual period. However, most women think of the menopause as the time of life leading up to, and after, their last period.
In reality, your periods don’t just stop. First they tend to become less frequent. It can take several years for a woman to go through the menopause completely. Women are said to have gone through the menopause (be postmenopausal) when they have not had a period at all for one year.
Symptoms can include hot flushes, sweats, tiredness, irritability, vaginal and vulval dryness, aches and pains in the joints, low mood, anxiety and difficulty sleeping.
Further Information
Resources on what to expect with the menopause and hormonal/non-hormonal management options:
Alternatives to HRT for symptoms of the menopause | Patient
Menopause Matters, menopausal symptoms, remedies, advice
Balance – Homepage (balance-menopause.com)
