The menopause is when a woman stops having periods. It's a natural part of ageing that usually happens between 45 and 55 years old.
Symptoms of the menopause include hot flushes, night sweats and vaginal dryness.
The main treatment for menopausal symptoms is hormone replacement therapy. Not all women need treatment.
Symptoms of the menopause include hot flushes, night sweats and vaginal dryness.
Most women will experience menopausal symptoms. Some of these can be quite severe and have a significant impact on your everyday activities.
Common symptoms include:
Menopausal symptoms can begin months or even years before your periods stop and last around 4 years after your last period, although some women experience them for much longer.
The main treatment for menopausal symptoms is hormone replacement therapy. Not all women need treatment.
Your GP can offer treatments and suggest lifestyle changes if you have severe menopausal symptoms that interfere with your day-to-day life.
These include:
Your GP may refer you to a menopause specialist if your symptoms do not improve after trying treatment or if you're unable to take HRT.