What is The Menopause?

The menopause literally means the last menstrual period. The average age at which women reach the menopause is 50-51, although it can happen earlier or later. There is a transitional phase leading up to the menopause, which is sometimes called the 'pre-menopause'. For the majority of women this starts around the age of 46-47 and lasts for two to three years. It can occur earlier and in rare cases is seen in women in their twenties.

During the years leading up to the menopause, the ovaries decrease in activity and stop producing eggs. As a result there is a drop in the levels of the female sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone. Approximately 75-80% of women will experience symptoms related to this.

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