What's happening in your body, and why your

experience might be nothing like your friend’s.

What's actually happening?

Menopause is a natural stage of life that marks the end of a woman’s menstrual periods and is part of the transition through midlife. You know you’ve reached menopause when you’ve gone 12 months in a row without a period, with no other medical reason. In Australia, it usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55, with an average age of 51. 

Perimenopause is the ‘lead-up’ and is a natural progression into a woman’s final period. It usually starts in your 40s and can last between 2 and 10 years, averaging around 4 to 6 years. During this time, the hormones oestrogen and progesterone fluctuate. This causes your periods to change (become more irregular, heavier or lighter), as well as hormone-induced physical, emotional and mental symptoms.

After menopause comes post menopause, which lasts for the rest of your life. Some symptoms ease in this stage.
 

Changes some women notice

• Hot flushes and night sweats

• Trouble sleeping

• Brain fog

• Low mood, mood changes or anxiety

• Joint and muscle pain

• Dry or itchy skin

• Vaginal dryness, bladder changes or less interest in sex

Why everyone's experience is different

The beauty of being a woman is that we are all different, and the same can be said about our reproductive experience. Some women may experience a range of symptoms related to hormonal changes; others may experience none at all. 

Timing will also vary woman-to-woman. Around 1 in 10 women will go through premature or early menopause and are more likely to have related heart and bone diseases. It’s important to see a doctor to prevent bone loss and heart disease even if you don’t have menopausal symptoms.

Know that information, support, and treatment options are available, and you are not alone on your journey.

It might not be menopause

Remember, not every midlife change comes directly from your hormones. It’s easy to assume related symptoms are due to hormonal changes. However, some symptoms overlap with other health conditions. Your GP can look at the whole picture and rule out other causes. 

Where to from here

• Read more on the Australian Government’s perimenopause and menopause site, which has information in a range of languages.

• Explore Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, which also has translated menopause videos.

• Not sure if you should see someone? Call 1800MEDICARE on 1800 633 422 to talk to a registered nurse, any time.

• Ready to talk to your doctor? Head to Prepare.

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