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Menopause

When you have not had a period for 12 months in a row. It usually happens between 45 and 55, and the average age is around 51.

What does menopause mean?

Menopause: When you have not had a period for 12 months in a row. It usually happens between 45 and 55, and the average age is around 51.

How it is used in the Splash library

Menopause explained

Menopause is when your periods stop because your ovaries no longer release eggs regularly and oestrogen levels fall. You are said to have reached menopause 12 months after your last period. The time after that is called post-menopause.

The years of hormonal change leading up to it are perimenopause, and that is when most symptoms start. Menopause can also happen earlier because of surgery to remove the ovaries, some cancer treatments, or primary ovarian insufficiency.

What's typical

In the UK the average age is 51 (NHS). Menopause before 45 is called early menopause, and before 40 is called premature menopause or primary ovarian insufficiency (POI).

Common symptoms include hot flushes, night sweats, poor sleep, low mood or anxiety, brain fog, joint aches, and vaginal dryness. Lower oestrogen also affects bone strength and heart health over time.

Treatments include HRT, which NICE says is the most effective treatment for many symptoms, as well as non-hormonal options and vaginal oestrogen for local symptoms (NICE NG23).

When to talk to a GP, nurse or pharmacist

  • Symptoms are affecting your sleep, work, relationships or mood. You don't need a blood test first if you are over 45 (NICE).
  • Your periods stop or change before you are 45.
  • You have any bleeding after 12 months without a period. This always needs checking by a GP.

In the UK you can call NHS 111 for advice at any time. In an emergency call 999 (UK) or 911 (US). This is general information, not medical advice.

Where it comes up

Body literacyBreast changes and how to self-check5 min readBody literacyHair and your hormones4 min read · Deep diveBody literacyLibido through your cycle4 min readConditionsPCOS (now PMOS): the friendly guide6 min read · Deep diveConditionsFibroids: common, non-cancerous, worth knowing5 min readConditionsUTIs: burning questions answered4 min readContraceptionContraception in your 40s and 50s5 min readCycle basicsIrregular cycles: what is going on?4 min readCycle basicsYour cycle through life4 min read · Deep diveMovement & sleepNight sweats: what is normal?2 min readPerimenopauseWhat is perimenopause?4 min readPerimenopauseHot flushes: what helps4 min readPerimenopauseHRT: a balanced look6 min read · Deep divePerimenopauseHRT options compared: patches, gels, tablets and more5 min read · Deep divePerimenopauseVaginal dryness, pain and bladder symptoms4 min readPerimenopauseSleep and mood in perimenopause4 min readPerimenopauseBone and heart health after 404 min read · Deep divePerimenopauseEarly menopause and premature ovarian insufficiency5 min read · Deep divePerimenopauseTalking to a doctor about perimenopause4 min readPeriod careHeavy periods: what counts and what helps5 min read · Deep diveSex & relationshipsBleeding after sex: what it can mean4 min read

Sources

  1. NHS: Menopause
  2. NICE NG23: Menopause: identification and management
  3. NHS: Early menopause

Sources checked October 2026.

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