what is the menopause?

The menopause, sometimes known as 'the change of life', occurs in all women. It is a natural process, and a positive attitude combined with expert advice can be very useful in helping you get through it.

Here is some brief information about the menopause. More information is available from your doctor and pharmacist.

The female hormone oestrogen is produced by the ovaries which in turn are stimulated by the eggs in the ovaries. When a person has no more eggs in the ovaries or loses the ovaries (eg by surgery) the level of oestrogen in the body starts to drop. This is the start of the menopause.

The level of oestrogens in the body diminishes with time and the rate differs between individuals. The symptoms of the menopause usually happen gradually. Periods may become irregular or stop suddenly and the amount of blood loss may change. The average age for the onset of the menopause is 52 years*. Women who smoke tend to experience the menopause earlier than non-smokers. Surgical removal of the ovaries or their destruction through radiotherapy will result in an immediate menopause.

Very occasionally the menopause can happen before the age of 40. This is considered to be a premature menopause and requires medical advice.

*Source: NHS Choices

For information about the symptoms of experiencing the menopause follow this link

Information written by the talkhealth medical panel

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Last Reviewed: 29 November 2010
Next Review Date: 29 November 2012