menopausal symptoms

Menopausal symptoms usually occur in women aged between 45 and 55 years of age when menstruation ceases permanently. The resulting changes in the levels of the female hormone Oestrogen can result in hot flushes, palpitations, depression, mood swings and poor libido.

The menopause is sometimes known as the "change of life", and is marked by the ending of menstruation (when a woman's periods stop). In the UK, the average age for a woman to reach the menopause is 52.

The menopause is the end of egg production (ovulation). This occurs as a result of falling levels of the female sex hormone, oestrogen, which regulates menstruation.

A woman’s periods do not usually stop suddenly, although this can happen. They usually become less frequent, the odd period is missed, and then they stop altogether.

A woman is said to have reached the menopause once she has not had a period for one year. After this point, she can be described as post-menopausal. The time leading up to the menopause is known as the peri-menopause.

During the peri-menopause, the hormonal and biological changes that are associated with the menopause begin. As a result of these hormonal changes, many women experience both physical and emotional symptoms.