Most women will have some symptoms around menopause and perimenopause. The length and seriousness of these symptoms can vary.
Symptoms can start 7 to 10 years before your periods stop. This is known as perimenopause.
Symptoms can also last for some time after your periods stop.
Most symptoms last around 4 years from your last period. But around 1 in 10 people have symptoms for up to 12 years.
Changes to your periods
You may notice a change in the normal pattern of your periods. But many people have regular periods.
You may start having either unusually light or heavy periods.
The frequency of your periods may also be affected - you may have them every 2 or 3 weeks. Skipped periods are common - you may not have them for months at a time.
After a while, you'll stop having periods altogether.
If your periods are irregular and you have been having sex without contraception, you should also check if you're pregnant.
Common symptoms
About 8 in 10 women have symptoms for some time before and after their periods stop.
Your symptoms may be worse if you go through menopause suddenly. For example, as a result of cancer treatment or surgical removal of your ovaries.
Mental health symptoms
Common mental health symptoms of menopause and perimenopause include:
- changes to your mood, such as low mood, anxiety, mood swings and low self-esteem
- irritability
- problems with memory or concentration (brain fog)
Physical symptoms
Common physical symptoms of menopause and perimenopause include:
- hot flushes
- difficulty sleeping
- vaginal dryness and pain, itching or discomfort
- reduced sex drive (libido)
- discomfort during sex
- headaches
- heart palpitations (a fast-beating, fluttering or pounding heart)
- recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- loss of muscle
- weight gain
- joint aches and pains
You may also have irregular periods or other period-related symptoms.
These can include changes in:
- frequency - longer or shorter cycles
- duration - how many days your period lasts for
- flow - lighter or heavier periods
Menopause increases your risk of developing other problems, such as osteoporosis (weak bones).
When to get help
Talk to your GP if you're finding your symptoms difficult. They will be able to help you and can recommend treatments.
There are also lifestyle changes that can help.
Non-urgent advice: Contact your GP if
you have bleeding from the vagina after menopause, even if:
- it's only happened once
- there's only a small amount of blood, spotting, or pink or brown discharge
- you do not have any other symptoms
- you're not sure if it's blood
This could be postmenopausal bleeding.