Menopause the basics

Menopause the basics

Menopause  literally  means the end of the monthly cycle (the end of periods)  from the Greek word pausis (pause) and men (month)

Periods usually stop around age 45-55 although this could happen earlier due to natural cause or surgery such as hysterectomy

Perimenopause is the time leading up to the menopause. Due to lowering hormone levels this is  when periods become more irregular, you may also experience mood swings, anxiety weight gain and brain fog.

Perimenopause can start years before the actual menopause

You reach menopause when you have not had a period for 12 months

Menopause symptoms may last for several years 

Post menopause is the time after menopause has happened 



Menopause Symptoms

  • Your periods becoming more irregular until they stop. 
  • hot flushes then feeling cold
  • sweats
  • brain fog (problems with memory or concentration 
  • anxiety
  • irritability
  • depression
  • palpitations
  • tiredness
  • insomnia
  • weight gain
  • vaginal dryness
  • decreased libido
  • dry skin
  • joint pains and aching muscles
  • headaches 

It is certainly a long list and you might only have a few or you might experience a lot of these symptoms