Menopause

• Overview
   
• Causes
   
• Symptoms
   
• Treatment
   
• Further information

Symptoms

Some symptoms like hot flushes will eventually stop on their own between two to five years after they start.^1,2 The time varies from woman to woman and some can experience symptoms many years afterwards.²

However, if you have vaginal problems then talk to your GP about available treatments because the symptoms may worsen.⁴

Irregular periods

This is usually the first sign that you're entering the menopause.² You may have periods every two to three weeks, or not have one for several months.² Bleeding may also be heavier than usual.²

Hot flushes

You may get hot flushes beginning on your face, neck or chest and spreading up or down your body.² The skin here may also become red and patchy, and you may start to sweat.²

Hot flushes usually last up to five minutes and are thought to be caused by a change in the temperature-controlling part of the brain.^1,2

Around 20 percent of women say their hot flushes can be severe, and cause significant interference with work, sleep and quality of life.^1,2

They may actually start while you're still having your periods.³

Hot flushes usually go one year after your last period,² but for 10 percent of women, they can continue for more than 15 years.¹

Change in heart beat

You may also experience a change in heart beat.^1,2 It may speed up (tachycardia), or become irregular and stronger than usual (palpitations).^1,2

Night sweats

These are the same as the hot flushes and usually happen in the first year after your last period.^1,2 Although they only last a few minutes, they can be unpleasant and wake you up.^1,2

Vaginal problems

Vaginal dryness, itching, or discomfort can happen as you approach the menopause, and after the menopause.^1,2,3,4 Sex can then become difficult, or painful.² All of these symptoms are known as vaginal atrophy.²

Around 30 percent of women experience these symptoms during the early post-menopausal period.² Some 47 percent of women have them during the later post-menopausal period, and some women experience them more than ten years after their final period.²

Urinary problems

You may become more prone to:

• Recurrent urinary infections, such as cystitis
• Wanting urgently to pass urine
• Visiting the toilet more often than normal.^1,2

Other symptoms

Other symptoms associated with the menopause are thought to be caused by stress and lifestyle.^2,3,4

Sleeping badly

Night sweats may wake up some women but sleeping badly can also be due to anxiety, or insomnia.² Lack of sleep then causes irritability, short-term memory problems and poor concentration.²

Mood changes

Some women experience anxiety, irritability, and depression during menopause.² But doctors believe these symptoms are more likely to be associated with past problems and life stresses. Studies across populations show that most women don't experience major changes in mood during the menopause.^2,3,4

Muscle and joint pain

Some women say they feel muscle and joint pain in their hands and feet, knees, elbows, and the cervical spine. This has been linked to a decrease in oestrogen, but can be caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.^1,2

Skin changes

Skin elasticity and skin thickness decrease after the menopause increasing wrinkling. However, doctors say it's too difficult to know if this is directly linked to the menopause without taking into account sun and smoking damage, and the natural ageing process.^1,2

Weight gain

Doctors don't believe weight gain is due to the menopause alone.⁵ Women tend to put on weight with age, especially beginning, at, or near the menopause.⁵ A US study of 418 women found that gaining weight was more likely to be due to drinking alcohol and not exercising.⁵