What is menopause?

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Menopause is when a woman stops having periods and is no longer able to get pregnant naturally. Periods usually start to become less frequent over a few months or years before they stop. Sometimes they can stop suddenly. Menopause is a natural part of ageing. It usually happens between 45 and 55 years of age as a woman's oestrogen levels decline. The average age for a woman to reach the menopause is 51. But around 1 in 100 women experience the menopause before 40 years of age. This is known as premature or early menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency.

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Symptoms of menopause

Most women will experience menopausal symptoms. Some of these can be severe and have a significant impact on your everyday activities.

 

Common symptoms include:

• hot flushes

• night sweats

• vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex

• difficulty sleeping

• low mood or anxiety

• reduced sex drive (libido)

• problems with memory and concentration

 

Menopausal symptoms can begin months or even years before your periods stop. They can last around 4 years after your last period. Some women have them for much longer. A significant number of women can develop urinary incontinence after the menopause, for which treatment is also possible.

 

When to contact your GP

Talk to your GP if:

• you have menopausal symptoms that are troubling you

• you're experiencing symptom before 45 years of age

 

Your GP can usually confirm if you're menopausal based on your symptoms. If you are under 45, they may take a blood test to check your hormone levels.

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Treatments for menopausal symptoms

Your GP can recommend treatments and lifestyle changes if you have severe menopausal symptoms.

These include:

• hormone replacement therapy (HRT) – tablets, skin patches, gels and implants that relieve menopausal symptoms by replacing oestrogen

• vaginal oestrogen creams, lubricants or moisturisers for vaginal dryness

• cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – a type of talking therapy that can help with low mood and anxiety

• eating a healthy, balanced diet and exercising regularly can improve some menopausal symptoms

 

Your GP may refer you to a menopause specialist if your symptoms do not improve after treatment or if you cannot take HRT.

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Menopause Video Resources

Check out the ICGP video series on menopause here. 

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These resources have been assembled by the ICGP’s Director of Women’s Health, Dr Nóirín O’Herlihy and the ICGP’s GP Clinical Lead in Women’s Health, Dr Ciara McCarthy. The 5 short videos will give you some general information about menopause, what it is, how it is diagnosed, and what to expect from its treatment.