Menopause is a natural stage of life that marks the end of menstrual periods and fertility.

A woman is considered to have reached menopause after 12 consecutive months without a period, provided there is no other medical reason for the absence of menstruation.

Most women experience menopause between the ages of 45 and 55. However, the timing varies from person to person.

The transition can cause a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including hot flushes, sleep problems, mood changes and vaginal dryness.

What Is Perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause.

During this stage, hormone levels, particularly oestrogen and progesterone, begin to fluctuate. As a result, periods may become irregular and other symptoms may appear.

Perimenopause often begins in the 40s and can last for several years.

Common symptoms may include:

• irregular periods
• hot flushes
• night sweats
• sleep problems
• mood changes
• breast tenderness
• headaches
• reduced sex drive
• vaginal dryness
• urinary symptoms

For more information about periods and menstrual changes, see our Menstruation guide.

Common Symptoms of Menopause

Menopause affects everyone differently.

Some women experience only mild symptoms, while others have symptoms that significantly affect daily life.

Physical Symptoms

Common physical symptoms include:

• hot flushes
• night sweats
• disturbed sleep
• headaches
• muscle and joint aches
• vaginal dryness
• urinary symptoms
• breast tenderness
• changes in skin and hair
• changes in body composition

Emotional and Cognitive Symptoms

Hormonal changes can also affect mood and concentration.

These may include:

• irritability
• anxiety
• low mood
• difficulty concentrating
• forgetfulness
• reduced ability to cope with stress
• changes in libido

If mood changes become persistent or severe, speak with your doctor or another healthcare professional.

You may also find our guides to Anxiety Disorders and Depression helpful.

What Are Hot Flushes?

Hot flushes are one of the most common symptoms associated with menopause.

They cause a sudden feeling of heat, usually affecting the face, neck, chest or upper body.

A hot flush may also cause:

• sweating
• flushed skin
• a faster heartbeat
• chills afterwards
• tingling sensations

Some people experience only occasional episodes, while others have several each day.

Common triggers may include:

• alcohol
• caffeine
• spicy food
• smoking
• hot environments
• stress or anxiety

Keeping a record of when hot flushes occur may help you identify personal triggers.

Night Sweats and Sleep Problems

Hot flushes that occur during sleep are commonly called night sweats.

They may cause frequent waking, poor-quality sleep and daytime tiredness.

Simple measures that may help include:

• keeping the bedroom cool
• wearing lightweight sleepwear
• using breathable bedding
• reducing alcohol close to bedtime
• limiting caffeine later in the day

For persistent sleep problems, see our Insomnia guide.

Menopause and Vaginal Dryness

Lower oestrogen levels can make vaginal tissues thinner, drier and less elastic.

This may cause:

• dryness
• itching or irritation
• discomfort during sex
• burning
• urinary symptoms

Water-based lubricants and vaginal moisturisers may help relieve mild symptoms.

However, persistent symptoms should be discussed with a doctor, particularly if they affect comfort, sexual wellbeing or quality of life.

Menopause and Urinary Symptoms

Some women notice changes in bladder function during and after menopause.

These may include:

• urinary urgency
• needing to urinate more frequently
• discomfort
• recurrent urinary tract infections
• urinary leakage

For related information, see our guides to Urinary Tract Infection and Incontinence.

Menopause and Weight

Changes in weight and body composition are common in midlife.

However, menopause itself is not the only factor involved. Ageing, reduced muscle mass, changes in activity levels, sleep and lifestyle can all contribute.

Healthy habits may help with weight management, including:

• eating a balanced diet
• including adequate protein
• choosing wholegrains, fruit and vegetables
• limiting highly processed foods
• staying physically active
• including resistance or strength training

Rather than focusing only on body weight, it can be more helpful to focus on overall health, strength and wellbeing.

Menopause and Bone Health

Oestrogen helps protect bone strength.

After menopause, lower oestrogen levels can increase the rate of bone loss and raise the risk of osteoporosis.

Supporting bone health may include:

• regular weight-bearing exercise
• resistance training
• adequate calcium intake
• maintaining sufficient vitamin D
• not smoking
• limiting excessive alcohol intake

Your doctor may recommend a bone density scan if you have risk factors for osteoporosis.

For more information, see the Healthy Bones Australia website.

Menopause and Heart Health

The risk of cardiovascular disease increases with age, and hormonal changes after menopause may also influence heart and blood vessel health.

It is therefore important to manage factors such as:

• blood pressure
• cholesterol
• blood glucose
• smoking
• physical activity
• diet

You can also read our Cholesterol guide and Heart Problems guide.

Menopause and Skin

Lower oestrogen levels can affect collagen production, skin thickness, hydration and elasticity.

As a result, some women may notice:

• increased dryness
• reduced firmness
• fine lines
• changes in skin texture
• increased sensitivity

Regular moisturising and good sun protection can help support skin health.

For related information, see our Anti Ageing guide and Sun Care guide.

How Is Menopause Diagnosed?

Menopause is usually diagnosed based on age, symptoms and menstrual history.

For women over 45 with typical symptoms, blood tests are often not necessary.

However, your doctor may recommend tests if:

• symptoms begin unusually early
• there is uncertainty about the cause
• periods stop before age 45
• another health condition is suspected

Your healthcare professional can determine whether further investigation is needed.

Treatment for Menopause Symptoms

Treatment depends on the symptoms, their severity and your individual health history.

Options may include lifestyle changes, non-hormonal treatments or menopausal hormone therapy.

Menopausal Hormone Therapy

Menopausal hormone therapy, commonly called MHT, uses hormones to replace some of the oestrogen that decreases during menopause.

It can be effective for symptoms such as:

• hot flushes
• night sweats
• vaginal dryness
• sleep disturbance related to menopausal symptoms

However, MHT is not suitable for everyone.

The benefits and risks vary depending on factors such as age, medical history, type of therapy and how long it is used.

Discuss MHT with your doctor to determine whether it is appropriate for you.

The Australasian Menopause Society provides evidence-based information about menopause and hormone therapy.

Non-Hormonal Treatment Options

Some people cannot or prefer not to use hormone therapy.

Depending on the symptoms, other options may include:

• certain prescription medicines
• vaginal moisturisers
• lubricants
• psychological therapies
• lifestyle changes

There are also complementary and herbal products marketed for menopause symptoms.

However, “natural” does not automatically mean safe. Some herbal medicines can interact with prescription medicines or may not be suitable for certain medical conditions.

Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting a supplement.

Lifestyle Changes That May Help

Healthy lifestyle habits can support general wellbeing during menopause.

Helpful strategies may include:

• exercising regularly
• including strength training
• maintaining a balanced diet
• getting enough sleep
• managing stress
• limiting alcohol
• not smoking
• maintaining social connections

These approaches may not remove every symptom, but they can support cardiovascular, bone and mental health.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Speak with your doctor if menopausal symptoms are affecting your quality of life or you would like to discuss treatment options.

You should also seek medical advice if you experience:

• very heavy bleeding
• bleeding after sex
• bleeding between periods
• bleeding after 12 months without a period
• severe pelvic pain
• significant or persistent mood changes
• symptoms beginning before age 45

Any vaginal bleeding after menopause should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

Healthdirect provides further information about menopause, symptoms and treatment.

Speak With Your Pharmacist

Your MediAdvice pharmacist can provide general advice about menopause, medicines, supplements and products for symptoms such as vaginal dryness or sleep difficulties.

They can also check for possible medicine interactions and recommend when it is appropriate to speak with your GP.

General advice only: This information is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. If symptoms are severe, persistent or concerning, seek professional medical advice.