Menopause Symptoms

“It is estimated that menopausal symptoms
affect more than 75% of women,
with over 25% of women describing severe symptoms”.1

Umbrella

What may the Menopause Symptoms Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Climacteric Changes/Signs/Symptoms
  • Menopausal/Menopause Changes/Signs/Symptoms
  • Menopause Transition Changes/Signs/Symptoms
  • Menopause-Related Changes/Signs/Symptoms
  • Perimenopausal/Perimenopause Changes/Signs/Symptoms

Hormones

What are the three main hormones that change as we approach menopause?

In What Is Menopause? Hormones and Menopause the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) note:

“The three main hormones that change as you approach menopause are:

  • Oestrogen
  • Progesterone
  • Testosterone.

The change in hormone levels can lead to different menopausal symptoms”.2

Common or Not

How common are menopause symptoms?

On page one in Optimising the Menopause Transition: Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause, first published online 10 June 2022, one of the recommendations is:

“It is estimated that menopausal symptoms affect more than 75% of women, with over 25% of women describing severe symptoms”.3

First Sign

What is usually the first sign of menopause?

According to the (United Kingdom) NHS:

“The first sign of the perimenopause is usually, but not always, a change in the normal pattern of your periods, for example they become irregular”.4

Physical Symptoms

What are common menopause physical symptoms?

In Menopause: Symptoms – Common Symptoms of Menopause and Perimenopause: Physical Symptoms the NHS explain:

“Common physical symptoms of menopause and perimenopause include:

  • Hot flushes, when you have sudden feelings of hot or cold in your face, neck and chest which can make you dizzy
  • Difficulty sleeping, which may be a result of night sweats and make you feel tired and irritable during the day
  • Palpitations, when your heartbeats suddenly become more noticeable
  • Headaches and migraines that are worse than usual
  • Muscle aches and joint pains
  • Changed body shape and weight gain
  • Skin changes including dry and itchy skin
  • Reduced sex drive
  • Vaginal dryness and pain, itching or discomfort during sex
  • Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Sensitive teeth, painful gums or other mouth problems”.5

In Symptoms of Menopause: Physical and Emotional Symptoms – Physical Symptoms the JH include:

“Physical symptoms may include:

  • Irregular periods
  • Hot flushes
  • Night sweats
  • Sleep problems
  • Sore breasts
  • Itchy, crawly or dry skin
  • Exhaustion and fatigue
  • Dry vagina
  • Loss of sex drive (libido)
  • Headaches or migraines
  • More pronounced premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
  • Aches and pains
  • Bloating
  • Urinary problems
  • Weight gain due to a slower metabolism”.6

Psychological Symptoms

What are common menopause psychological symptoms?

In Symptoms of Menopause: Physical and Emotional Symptoms – Psychological and Emotional Symptoms the JH include:

“Psychological and emotional symptoms may include:

  • Feeling irritable or frustrated
  • Feeling anxious
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Brain fog
  • Forgetfulness
  • Lowered mood
  • Mood swings
  • Feeling you can’t cope as well as you used to”.7

Difference Differences

Are menopause symptoms one-size-fits-all?

No. In Symptoms of Menopause the JH elaborate on:

“Menopause can cause a range of physical and emotional changes, such as hot flushes, vaginal changes and mood swings. Every woman will have a different experience”.8

Duration

How long can menopause symptoms last?

In What Is Menopause? What Is Perimenopause (The Menopausal Transition) the Australasian Menopause Society (AMS) explain:

“Some women can experience menopausal symptoms for 5-10 years before their final menstrual period”.9

The JH note:

“Many women have symptoms for around eight years and one in four women have symptoms into their 60s and 70s”.10

In Menopause: Symptoms – How Long Symptoms Last the NHS note:

“Symptoms can last for months or years, and can change with time.

For example, hot flushes and night sweats may improve, and then you may develop low mood and anxiety.

Some symptoms, such as joint pain and vaginal dryness, can carry on after your periods stop”.11

Factors

What factors impact on menopause symptoms?

The JH explain:

“Menopausal symptoms can be influenced by different things. For example, your stage of life and general health and wellbeing”.12

Conditions

What are the most common conditions that may mimic menopause symptoms?

Yes. In Diagnosing Menopause: If It’s Not Menopause, What Is It? the AMS elaborate on:

“Depression, anaemia and thyroid disorders are the most common conditions that may occur concurrently. Unstable diabetes and hyperthyroidism may cause hot flushes. Medication, such as the SSRI family of anti-depressants, may also cause hot flushes”.13

Lifestyle

Is there an association between lifestyle and menopause symptoms?

Yes. In Looking After Yourself During Menopause the JH elaborate on:

“During menopause, it’s important to look after yourself. Healthy lifestyle choices will help to improve physical and emotional symptoms at every stage of menopause”.14

On page one in Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause one of the recommendations is:

  • “Women should be advised that implementing or maintaining a healthy lifestyle can improve menopause symptoms. A healthy diet (one low in saturated fat and salt and rich in calcium and vitamin D), stopping smoking, reducing alcohol intake and including regular exercise can be beneficial. Reducing caffeine intake may also improve symptoms”.15

Lifestyle Tips

What are some lifestyle tips which may relieve menopause symptoms?

In Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Lifestyle and Home Remedies the (United States) Mayo Clinic elaborate on:

“Many of the symptoms menopause causes go away on their own in time. In the meantime, the following might help:

  • Cool hot flashes…
  • Ease vaginal pain…
  • Get enough sleep…
  • Find ways to relax…
  • Strengthen your pelvic floor…
  • Eat a balanced diet…
  • Manage weight
  • Don’t smoke…
  • Exercise regularly…”.16

Hormone Therapy

How effective is hormone therapy (HT) for the treatment of menopause symptoms?

Menopause SymptomsOn page one in The Menopause Society Statement on Misinformation Surrounding Hormone Therapy: Indications for the Use of Hormone Therapy, published October 2024, the Menopause Society (formerly the North American menopause Society) note:

“Hormone therapy remains first-line therapy for management of bothersome vasomotor symptoms, and the benefits typically outweigh the risks for most healthy women when initiated younger than age 60 years or within 10 years of menopause onset with appropriate counseling.

Hormone therapy is indicated for the treatment of bothersome vasomotor symptoms,
genitourinary syndrome of menopause, primary ovarian insufficiency, and prevention of bone loss and reduction of fracture risk”.17

Health Care Provider

What if I would like help with menopause symptoms?

If you would like help with menopause symptoms, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

In What Is Menopause? When To See Your Doctor the JH also note:

“Talk to your doctor if you are worried about:

  • Irregular periods
  • Heavy bleeding
  • Bleeding after menopause
  • Increased premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms
  • Menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes, that interfere with your daily life”.18

In Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment the Mayo Clinic explain:

“Before deciding on any form of treatment, talk with your healthcare professional about your choices and the risks and benefits of each. Review your choices yearly. Your needs and the treatment choices may change”.19

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Menopause Symptoms?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Menopause Symptoms?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

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New or Updated

  1. 9 Less Common Perimenopause Symptoms and How to Manage Them
  2. ACOG Explains: Managing Menopause Symptoms [American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists] [October 2023]
  3. AMS Symptom Score Card
  4. Askearlymenopause.org [Ask EM] [+ Video: What Is Early Menopause?]
  5. BMS TV: Menopause Explained
  6. Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
  7. CAMS Menopause Hour: A Practical Approach To the Management of Menopause [Council of Affiliated Menopause Societies]
  8. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms
  9. Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Therapy [Video]
  10. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
  11. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – New FDA-Approved Nonhormone Option for the Treatment of Hot Flashes
  12. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Premature and Early Menopause
  13. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Racial and Ethnic Differences In the Menopause Experience
  14. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Menopause
  15. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Preparing for Your Menopause Healthcare Visit
  16. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2025 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Nutrition At Menopause and Why It Is Important
  17. Does Having Hot Flashes Mean I’ve Started Menopause?
  18. EMAS On-Demand Webinars [European Menopause and Andropause Society] [Multiply Languages]: Benefits of Oral Combined MHT for Estrogen Deficiency Symptoms Treatment (EN)
  19. Experts Answer Your Menopause Questions In New Video
  20. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  21. Find An AMS Member [Australasian Menopause Society: Australia and New Zealand]
  22. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  23. First Symptoms of Menopause
  24. Heavy Periods Symptom Checklist: Are My Periods too Heavy?
  25. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
  26. HRT Questions Answered
  27. Hot Flashes
  28. Hot Flashes: What Can I Do? [+ Video: What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Menopause?
  29. How To Manage Menopausal Insomnia
  30. How To Talk To Your Doctor About Heavy Periods
    Menopause Symptoms
  31. How To Talk To Your Doctor About Menopause
  32. How To Talk To Your Doctor About Midlife Brain Fog
  33. Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause
  34. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Menopause [+ Video: Menopause]
  35. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Menopause and Your Mental Wellbeing [+ Video: Menopause Only Affects You Physically!]
  36. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Signs and Symptoms of Menopause [+ Video: Talking Menopause With Your GP]
  37. Let’s Talk About Perimenopause
  38. Management of Perimenopausal and Menopausal Symptoms
  39. Managing Menopause Symptoms [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  40. Managing Your Symptoms
  41. Mayo Clinic Minute: Perimenopause and Menopause [+ Video]
  42. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Perimenopause Transitions and Concerns
  43. Menopause
    Menopause Symptoms
  44. Menopause
  45. Menopause SymptomsMenopause
  46. Menopause
  47. Menopause Checklist Podcast
  48. Menopause Education for Patients [The Menopause Society, United States]
  49. Menopause Management Options
  50. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
    Menopause Symptoms
  51. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
    Menopause Symptoms
  52. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 5. Lifestyle Advice In Menopause & Perimenopause
  53. Menopause Signs and Symptoms
  54. Menopause Symptoms
  55. Menopause and Mental Health
  56. Menopause: Identification and Management [NICE Guideline Published: 12 November 2015 Last Updated: 07 November 2024]
    Menopause Symptoms
  57. Menopause: Identification and Management: NICE Guideline [NG23] [07 November 2024]
  58. Menopause: Symptoms
  59. Menopause: Symptoms & Causes
  60. Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
  61. Menopause and Sleep
  62. Midlife Weight Gain
  63. Monitoring Menopause Symptoms [Video]
  64. Mood and the Menopause
  65. My Periods Have Changed. Is Menopause Around the Corner?
  66. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  67. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  68. Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
  69. Navigating Menopause: Honest Answers To All Your Questions [+ Video: What To Expect in Menopause]
  70. Menopause SymptomsNight Sweats
  71. Non-Estrogen Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
  72. Pausitivity – #KnowYourMenopause Poster Campaign: Menopause Do You Have Any of These Symptoms? [Multiply Languages]
  73. Perimenopause
  74. Perimenopause
  75. Perimenopause and Menopause Checklist: Translated Checklists
  76. Perimenopause and Menopause Symptom Checklist
    Menopause Symptoms
  77. Periods Information Hub
  78. Surprising Menopause Symptoms Q&A | Dr Louise Newson
  79. Surprising Menopause Symptoms Revisited | Dr Louise Newson
  80. Symptoms of Menopause
  81. The 2023 Practitioner’s Toolkit for Managing Menopause: Management
  82. The Impact of the Menopause
  83. The Menopause Society Statement on Misinformation Surrounding Hormone Therapy [September 2024]
    Menopause Symptoms
  84. The Truth About Menopause Supplements | Dr Sarah Berry
  85. Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
  86. Vaginal Dryness
  87. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Menopause and Hormone Therapy: Current Perspectives and Controversies
  88. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – A Simple Approach To Menopause: The Menopause Quick Six (www.MQ6.ca)
  89. Webinars: Previous – IMS & ISE Symposium: What’s Hot? Options for Treatment of Hot Flushes 2025
  90. Webinars: Previous – Non-Hormonal Pharmacological Interventions For VMS
  91. Webinars: Previous – Non-Pharmacological Interventions For VMS
  92. Webinars: Previous – Menopausal Migraines
  93. Webinars: Previous – The Perimenopause Journey: An Adaptive Reproductive Phase
  94. What Everyone Should Know About Menopause Symptoms
  95. What Is Menopause?
  96. What Is Menopause? [Video]
  97. When Does Perimenopause Start and How Do You Define the Beginning [Video]
  98. Why is Bleeding so Heavy?
  99. World Menopause Day 2024: Leaflet for Women – Menopause and Menopause Hormone Therapy [Multiply Languages]
  100. Menopause Symptoms World Menopause Day 2024: Poster for Women – The 5 Ws of Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT)

Source

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Hamoda, H., Mukherjee, A., Morris, E., Baldeweg, S. E., Jayasena, C. N., Briggs, P., Moger, S. Optimising the Menopause Transition: Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause. First Published Online 10 June 2022:1 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20533691221104882 Accessed: 26 March 2025
  2. What Is Menopause? Hormones and Menopause. Last Updated: 03 March 2025 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/about-menopause Accessed: 26 March 2025
  3. Hamoda, H., Mukherjee, A., Morris, E., Baldeweg, S. E., Jayasena, C. N., Briggs, P., Moger, S. Optimising the Menopause Transition: Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause. First Published Online 10 June 2022:1 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20533691221104882 Accessed: 26 March 2025
  4. Menopause: Symptoms – Common Symptoms of Menopause and Perimenopause: Changes To Your Periods. Page Last Reviewed: 17 May 2022. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/symptoms/#changes-to-your-periods Accessed: 26 March 2025
  5. Menopause: Symptoms – Common Symptoms of Menopause and Perimenopause: Physical Symptoms. Page Last Reviewed: 17 May 2022. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/symptoms/#changes-to-your-periods Accessed: 26 March 2025
  6. Symptoms of Menopause. Physical and Emotional Symptoms – Physical Symptoms. Last Updated: 02 December 2024 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-symptoms Accessed: 26 March 2025
  7. Symptoms of Menopause. Physical and Emotional Symptoms – Psychological and Emotional Symptoms. Last Updated: 02 December 2024 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-symptoms Accessed: 26 March 2025
  8. Symptoms of Menopause. Last Updated: 02 December 2024 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-symptoms Accessed: 26 March 2025
  9. What Is Menopause? Key Points. Content Created May 2022. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/185-what-is-menopause Accessed: 26 March 2025
  10. Menopause Management Options: Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) – How Long Do You Need To Take MHT? Last Updated: 03 December 2024 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-management Accessed: 26 March 2025
  11. Menopause: Symptoms – How Long Symptoms Last. Page Last Reviewed: 17 May 2022. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/symptoms/#changes-to-your-periods Accessed: 26 March 2025
  12. Symptoms of Menopause. Last Updated: 02 December 2024 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-symptoms Accessed: 26 March 2025
  13. Diagnosing Menopause: If It’s Not Menopause, What Is It? Content Created May 2022. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/gp-hp-resources/300-diagnosing-menopause Accessed: 26 March 2025
  14. Looking After Yourself During Menopause. Last Updated: 20 September 2024 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/looking-after-yourself Accessed: 26 March 2025
  15. Hamoda, H, Mukherjee, A, Morris, E, Baldeweg, S. E., Jayasena, C. N., Briggs, P, Moger, S. Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause. First Published Online 10 June 2022 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20533691221104879 Accessed: 26 March 2025
  16. Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Lifestyle and Home Remedies. 07 August 2024. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353401 Accessed: 26 March 2025
  17. The Menopause Society Statement on Misinformation Surrounding Hormone Therapy: Indications for the Use of Hormone Therapy. 2024:1. Menopause Society https://menopause.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/TMS-statement-on-HT-Misinformation.pdf Accessed: 26 March 2025
  18. What Is Menopause? When To See Your Doctor. Last Updated: 03 March 2025 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/about-menopause#when-to-see-your-doctor Accessed: 26 March 2025
  19. Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment. 07 August 2024. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353401 Accessed: 26 March 2025
Topic Last Updated: 26 March 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 26 March 2025

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