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Menopause & Perimenopause

What is the menopause?

Menopause is the cessation of a woman’s menstrual cycle. The typical age of menopause in the UK is 51 years, and most women become menopausal between the ages of 45–55 years. Menopause is defined as the cessation of periods for 1 year. Before periods come to a complete stop they often change, as the ovaries struggle to work as regularly and reliably as they did in the past. Hormone levels fluctuate during this transition, and in particular there is a reduction in the amount of circulating oestrogen (produced by the tiring ovaries). Periods themselves may become lighter, heavier, or variable in volume and occur at different intervals of time. Hormone levels fluctuate in a way that the body is not used to and this, in combination with a declining level of oestrogen, can cause a variety of symptoms.

Symptoms

Menopause isn’t just about symptoms

How to diagnose the menopause or perimenopause

Lifestyle

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Other treatments

Contraception and the menopause

Summary & Resource

Our thanks to Dr Rhianydd McGlone, Langley House GP and British Menopause Society Menopause Specialist, for the information on this page.

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