What is menopause?

Menopause is when women no longer ovulate or have a period. Most women reach menopause between the ages of 45 and 55.

Perimenopause is when women have symptoms before reaching menopause.

For some women, menopause may be triggered by treatment for cancer or other medical conditions such as endometriosis.

Symptoms

Menopause symptoms are experienced by 85% of women but many don't talk about it or seek help.

Symptoms can include hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, mood disorders or weight gain. Hormonal changes can also lead to an increased risk of osteoporosis and bone thinning.

The Perimenopause and menopause toolkit is designed to help women understand and manage their symptoms.

The toolkit

Resources in the toolkit include:

  • a free menopause symptom checklist
  • where to get help
  • video explainers
  • podcasts about common symptoms
  • resources for families and partners
  • resources for colleagues in the workplace

Get the online Perimenopause and menopause toolkit.

Last updated: 28 January 2025

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