Menopause
From this page you can find out more about
Menopause happens when your periods stop due to changes in your hormone levels.
It is a normal transition that happens as women get older and can affect anyone who has periods.
Menopause usually affects women between the ages of 45 and 55 but can happen earlier for some people.
The time leading up to menopause, is called perimenopause. This is when you have symptoms of menopause but your periods have not stopped. Perimenopause ends and you reach menopause when you have not had a period for 12 months.
Symptoms of menopause
Some of the most common symptoms of menopause and perimenopause can include:
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Brain fog
- Hot flushes
- Irregular periods
- Difficulty sleeping
- Palpitations, when your heartbeat becomes more noticeable
- Muscle aches and joint pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Reduced sex drive
- Vaginal dryness and pain, itching or discomfort during sex
- Recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Changes to your skin
- Changes to your body shape or weight gain
- Sensitive teeth and painful gums
Getting support for the menopause
Menopause and perimenopause symptoms can have a big impact on your life, your work, and relationships.
According to local survey data in north east London, we know that:
women over 40 had symptoms of menopause or perimenopause
women said they took time of work due to menopause symptoms
menopausal women had low mood, difficulty concentrating or sleeping
Talk to your GP or your local pharmacist if you think you may be going through the menopause and you have any concerns about how it is affecting your life.
Your GP can:
- Provide you with advice on how to manage your symptoms. You can also find a range of advice here on the NHS website.
- Prescribe medications which can alleviate your symptoms, such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- Refer you to one of our Women’s Health Hubs for advice and support
- Refer you to see a specialist if you need to for further treatment.
Our Women’s Health Hub in Hackney also runs regular Menopause Cafe events to support women in the borough who are going through the menopause.
Privacy & accessibility
Legal informationMedia enquiries
Modern slavery and human trafficking statement
