Menopause Symptoms

“Not everyone finds the symptoms bothersome but about 60% of women will have mild symptoms for around 5 – 8 years. 20% of women will have no symptoms at all…”.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

Cause

What causes menopause symptoms?

In Menopause Management: Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) – What Is MHT? the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) elaborate on:

“The three hormones of particular relevance at menopause are oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Menopausal symptoms are created by changes in the levels of the oestrogen hormones”.2

Common or Not

How many women have menopause symptoms?

In Symptoms of Menopause: What Are the Symptoms of Menopause? the JH elaborate on:

“Not all women experience the same menopausal symptoms:

  • 20% of women have no symptoms
  • 60% experience mild to moderate symptoms
  • 20% have symptoms so severe that they significantly interfere with daily life”.3

Severe Symptoms

How many women have severe menopause symptoms?

The International Menopause Society (IMS) explain:

“Not everyone finds the symptoms bothersome but about 60% of women will have mild symptoms for around 5 – 8 years. 20% of women will have no symptoms at all while another 20% will be severely affected, with symptoms continuing into their 60s or later”.4

First Sign

What is usually the first sign of menopause?

According to the (United Kingdom) NHS:

“The first sign of the menopause is usually a change in the normal pattern of your periods”.5

Symptoms

What are common menopause symptoms?

On page two in Maintaining Health and Preventing Disease After the Menopause the IMS note:

“Common symptoms of the menopause transition include:

  • Irregular periods, which may be heavy
  • Hot flushes (hot flashes)
  • Night sweats
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Aches and pains
  • Racing heartbeat
  • Increased need to go to the toilet
  • Mood changes, such as irritability or feeling low
  • Trouble concentrating”.6

In Menopause: Symptoms – Common Menopausal Symptoms the NHS elaborate on:

“Common symptoms include:

  • Hot flushes…
  • Night sweats…
  • Difficulty sleeping…
  • A reduced sex drive (libido)…
  • Problems with memory and concentration
  • Vaginal dryness and pain, itching or discomfort during sex
  • Headaches…
  • Mood changes, such as low mood or anxiety…
  • Palpitations – heartbeats that suddenly become more noticeable
  • Joint stiffness, aches and pains
  • Reduced muscle mass
  • Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)…”.7

In Menopause: Symptoms & Causes – Symptoms the (United States) Mayo Clinic explain:

“In the months or years leading up to menopause (perimenopause), you might experience these signs and symptoms:

  • Irregular periods
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Hot flashes
  • Chills
  • Night sweats
  • Sleep problems
  • Mood changes
  • Weight gain and slowed metabolism
  • Thinning hair and dry skin
  • Loss of breast fullness”.8

Most Common

What are the most common menopause symptoms?

In How Do I Know I’m In Menopause? The Bottom Line the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) elaborate on:

“The most common symptoms women in their 40s notice are changes in periods and the onset of hot flashes”.9

In Menopause: Symptoms – Common Menopausal Symptoms the NHS elaborate on:

“About 8 in every 10 women will have additional symptoms for some time before and after their periods stop”.10

In Symptoms of Menopause the JH elaborate on:

“Symptoms of menopause generally include hot flushes, vaginal changes and mood swings. There are other physical and emotional symptoms of menopause, but no two women will experience menopause in the same way”.11

Difference Differences

Are menopause symptoms one-size-fits-all?

No. In Menopause FAQS: Menopause Symptoms – Q. What symptoms might I expect as I approach menopause? the NAMS explain:

“A. Each woman’s menopause experience is different. Many women who undergo natural menopause report no symptoms at all during the perimenopausal years except for irregular menstrual periods that eventually stop once they reach menopause. Other symptoms may include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, difficulty sleeping, memory problems, mood disturbances, and vaginal dryness. Not all these symptoms are hormone related, and some, such as hot flashes and memory problems, tend to resolve after menopause. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle during this time of transition is essential for your health and can even prevent or alleviate some of these symptoms”.12

Duration

How many years may menopause symptoms continue?

The JH note:

  • “The mean duration of menopausal symptoms is approximately eight years
  • 20–25% of women will have bothersome symptoms in their 60s and 70s
  • 10% of women will have bothersome symptoms for 10 years or more”.13

The Australasian Menopause Society (AMS) explain:

  • “These symptoms last on average 4-8 years, but are usually most frequent and severe in the year around the final menstrual period”.14

Sudden Menopause

Is there an association between sudden menopause and menopause symptoms?

Yes. The NHS note:

“If you experience the menopause suddenly rather than gradually – for example, as a result of cancer treatment – your symptoms may be worse”.15

Factors

What factors impact on menopause symptoms?

The JH explain:

“Culture, general level of health and wellbeing, previous experience of mood problems, lifestyle and whether you have had a natural, surgical or chemotherapy-induced menopause will affect your menopausal symptoms”.16

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 hypothyroidism are the most common conditions that may mimic menopausal symptoms or indeed occur concurrently. Unstable diabetes may cause hot flushes. Medication, such as the SSRI family of anti-depressants, may also cause hot flushes”.17

Attitude

Is there an association between attitude and menopause symptoms?

In Make Your Menopause A Positive Experience the author elaborates on:

“The attitude with which you embark upon this transition can have a tremendous impact on your experience of it, as well as on your choice of behaviors. Studies bear this out: negative beliefs held prior to menopause can be predictive of a more difficult time. For instance, the more catastrophic your thoughts about hot flashes, the more intense they will be”.18

Lifestyle

Is there an association between lifestyle and menopause symptoms?

Yes. In Menopause Management: Healthy Living – Lifestyle & Symptoms of Menopause the JH explain:

“Coping with menopausal symptoms can be helped by a balanced and nutritious diet, exercise and relaxation. Women who try to make their lifestyle as healthy as they can appear to have fewer menopausal symptoms, and those symptoms are less severe. Women who are overweight may have more hot flushes than women of a healthy weight.

Some studies have suggested that exercise can reduce hot flushes, but overall there is insufficient evidence to show this”.19

Lifestyle Tips

What are some lifestyle tips which may relieve menopause symptoms?

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

“Fortunately, many of the signs and symptoms associated with menopause are temporary. Take these steps to help reduce or prevent their effects:

  • Cool hot flashes…
  • Decrease vaginal discomfort…
  • Get enough sleep…
  • Practice relaxation techniques…
  • Strengthen your pelvic floor…
  • Eat a balanced diet…
  • Don’t smoke…
  • Exercise regularly…”.20

Hormone Therapy

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

On page one in Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Potential Benefits the NAMS explain:

“Hormone therapy is one of the most effective treatments available for bothersome hot flashes and night sweats. If night sweats are waking you throughout the night, HT may improve sleep and fatigue, mood, ability to concentrate, and overall quality of life. Treatment of bothersome hot flashes and night sweats is the principal reason women use HT. Hormone therapy also treats vaginal dryness and painful sex associated with menopause. Hormone therapy keeps your bones strong by preserving bone density and decreasing your risk of osteoporosis and fractures. If preserving bone density is your only concern, and you do not have bothersome hot flashes, other treatments may be recommended instead of HT”.21

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.

On page two in Menopause: What Can You Do To Help With the Menopause? the JH elaborate on:

“Depending on your symptoms, you may like to see a general practitioner, a gynaecologist, and or endocrinologist (hormone specialist), registered naturopath, psychologist or dietitian”.22

In Menopause – Fact Sheet the JH also note:

“See Your Doctor If:

  • You are troubled by less regular periods
  • You have symptoms of menopause that interfere with daily life
  • You have symptoms of depression and anxiety, including changes to your thinking, eating, sleeping and enjoyment of activities”.23

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

“Before deciding on any form of treatment, talk with your doctor about your options and the risks and benefits involved with each. Review your options yearly, as your needs and treatment options may change”.24

In Menopause: Overview – When To See A GP the NHS elaborate on:

“It’s worth talking to a GP if you have menopausal symptoms that are troubling you or if you’re experiencing symptoms of the menopause before 45 years of age”.25

Who is a GP?

DotS and/or DotC (Depending on the Country) a GP may be a qualified and registered general practitioner, a medical practitioner, a medical doctor or a doctor.

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics 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

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

  1. 5 of the Most Common Questions About Menopause
  2. 9 Myths and Misunderstandings About Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)
  3. Archives: Videos – Managing Menopause In Women With Chronic Medical Conditions
  4. Bioidentical Hormones Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  5. Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
  6. Complementary Medicine Options for Menopausal SymptomsCognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms
  7. Complementary Medicine Options for Menopausal Symptoms
  8. Complementary and Alternative Therapies Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  9. Complementary/Alternative Therapies for Menopausal Women
  10. Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Therapy [Video]
  11. Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Women’s Profiles
  12. Four Common Causes of Night Sweats
  13. HRT and Breast Cancer: Overall Risks and Benefits Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  14. HRT and the Risk of Breast Cancer Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  15. HRT: Benefits and Risks
  16. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  17. Hormone Therapy: Is It Right for You?
  18. Hot Flashes: What Can I Do?
  19. How Long Does Menopause Last? – Ask Dr Jean
  20. How Right Now How Right Now
  21. Information About Menopause [Multiply Languages] [Videos]
  22. Is Testosterone the Answer To Low Libido?
  23. Know Your Normal Get Abnormal Bleeding Checked Cervical Cancer
  24. Learning To Cope With Hot Flashes
  25. Libido: The Highs and Lows of Midlife
  26. Lifestyle and Behavioural Modifications for Menopausal Symptoms
  27. Maintaining Your Weight and Health During and After Menopause
  28. Making Sense of Menopausal Hormone Therapy Means Understanding the Benefits As Well As the Risks
  29. Maori: Menopause What Are the Symptoms?
  30. Mayo Clinic Minute: Help With Hot Flashes Due To Menopause [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  31. Mayo Clinic Minute: Lifestyle Changes To Manage Menopause Symptoms [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  32. Menopause
  33. Menopause
  34. Menopause
  35. Menopause & Herbs
  36. Menopause Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  37. Menopause FAQs: Menopause Symptoms
  38. Menopause What Are the SymptomsMenopause Hormone Therapy: Who Shouldn’t Take It?
  39. Menopause Matters
  40. Menopause What Are the Symptoms?
  41. Menopause and Sleep
  42. Menopause – Fact Sheet
  43. Menopause – Fact Sheet (Plain English)
  44. Menopause – Hot Flushes
  45. Menopause – Is Menopausal Hormone Therapy (HRT) Safe? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
  46. Menopause – Multilingual Facts Sheet
  47. Menopause – What Are the Symptoms? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
  48. Menopause – Will It Affect My Sex Life? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
  49. Menopause: Changes In Periods [Video Interview Stories]
  50. Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment
  51. Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Questions To Ask About Menopause [NICE Guideline]
  52. Menopause: Emotions and the Menopause: Mood Swings, Anxiety and Depression [Video Interview Stories]
  53. Menopause: Hot Flushes and Sweats [Video Interview Stories]
  54. Menopause: Non-HRT and Lifestyle Options [Video Interview Stories]
  55. Menopause: Non-Hormonal Treatment & Relief for Hot Flashes
  56. Menopause: Overview [Video Interview Stories]
  57. Menopause: Symptoms
  58. Menopause: Symptoms & Causes
  59. Menopause: What Can You Do To Help With Menopause?
  60. Menopause: What Is the Menopause? [Video Interview Stories]
  61. Mental & Emotional Wellbeing
  62. Migraine Headaches
  63. My Periods Have Changed. Is Menopause Around the Corner?
  64. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 4 Things To Know About Menopausal Symptoms and Complementary Health Practices
  65. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  66. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  67. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms In Depth
  68. Natural Remedies To Help Manage Perimenopause Symptoms
  69. Menopause SymptomsNight Sweats
  70. NonHormonal Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
  71. Pausitivity – #KnowYourMenopause Poster Campaign
  72. Period Pain & Symptom Diary
  73. Preventing Weight Gain In Women At Midlife
  74. Risks and Benefits of MHT
  75. Supporting Women Through Menopause – Fact Sheet
  76. Symptoms of Menopause
  77. Symptoms of Menopause: What Are the Symptoms of Menopause?
  78. Testosterone Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  79. The Menopause Blues
  80. Understanding Menopause – Booklet
  81. Urogenital Atrophy Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  82. Vaginal Dryness
  83. Vaginal Dryness
  84. Video Series-2021 – Common Issues Surrounding Sexuality and Menopause
  85. Video Series-2021 – How Menopause Symptoms Can Affect Your Quality of Life
  86. Video Series-2021 – Treatment Options for Vaginal Dryness and Urinary Issues
  87. Video Series-2021 – What Women Need To Know About Hormone Therapies
  88. Webinars: Other Webinars – Brain Function In the Menopause: Where Do We Stand Now?
  89. Webinars: Other Webinars – Clinician Readiness for New Therapies for Vasomotor Symptoms
  90. Webinars: Other Webinars – What To Offer for Vasomotor Symptoms When MHT Is Contraindicated [Menopausal Hormone Therapy]
  91. What Are the 34 Symptoms of Menopause?
  92. What Can I Do To Help With Hot Flashes?
  93. What Is Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) and Is It Safe?
  94. What Is Menopause?
  95. When Your Periods Leave Too Early
  96. Women’s Wellness: Menopause Misconceptions [+ Video]
  97. Women’s Wellness: Mindfulness May Ease Menopausal Symptoms
  98. Women’s Wellness: Treating Hot Flashes and Night Sweats Without Hormones [+ Video]
  99. World Menopause Day: World Menopause Day 2020 – Patient Information Leaflet: Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) [Multiply Languages]
  100. Yarning About Menopause

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Need To Cool Off? Symptoms of Menopause. 2011:2. International Menopause Society https://www.imsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/wmd-2011-leaflet-english.pdf Accessed: 22 June 2021
  2. Menopause Management: Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) – What Is MHT? Last Updated: 07 June 2021 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-management/ Accessed: 22 June 2021
  3. Symptoms of Menopause: What Are the Symptoms of Menopause? Last Updated: 24 March 2021 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-symptoms/ Accessed: 22 June 2021
  4. Need To Cool Off? Symptoms of Menopause. 2011:2. International Menopause Society https://www.imsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/wmd-2011-leaflet-english.pdf Accessed: 22 June 2021
  5. Menopause: Symptoms – Changes To Your Periods. Page Last Reviewed: 29 August 2018. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/symptoms/#changes-to-your-periods Accessed: 22 June 2021
  6. Maintaining Health and Preventing Disease After the Menopause. 2014:2. International Menopause Society https://www.imsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/wmd-2014-leaflet-english.pdf Accessed: 22 June 2021
  7. Menopause: Symptoms – Common Menopausal Symptoms. Page Last Reviewed: 29 August 2018. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/symptoms/#common-menopausal-symptoms Accessed: 22 June 2021
  8. Menopause: Symptoms & Causes – Symptoms. 14 October 2020. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20353397 Accessed: 22 June 2021
  9. How Do I Know I’m In Menopause? The Bottom Line. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopauseflashes/menopause-symptoms-and-treatments/how-do-i-know-i’m-in-menopause- Accessed: 22 June 2021
  10. Menopause: Symptoms – Common Menopausal Symptoms. Page Last Reviewed: 29 August 2018. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/symptoms/#common-menopausal-symptoms Accessed: 22 June 2021
  11. Symptoms of Menopause. Last Updated: 24 March 2021 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-symptoms/ Accessed: 22 June 2021
  12. Menopause FAQS: Menopause Symptoms – Q. What symptoms might I expect as I approach menopause? https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopause-faqs-menopause-symptoms Accessed: 22 June 2021
  13. Menopause Management: Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) – How Long Do You Take MHT? Last Updated: 07 June 2021 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-management/ Accessed: 22 June 2021
  14. What Is Menopause? Key Points. Content Updated February 2016. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/185-what-is-menopause Accessed: 22 June 2021
  15. Menopause: Symptoms. Page Last Reviewed: 29 August 2018. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/symptoms/ Accessed: 22 June 2021
  16. Symptoms of Menopause: What Are the Symptoms of Menopause? Last Updated: 24 March 2021 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-symptoms/ Accessed: 22 June 2021
  17. Diagnosing Menopause: If It’s Not Menopause, What Is It? April 2016. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/gp-hp-resources/300-diagnosing-menopause Accessed: 22 June 2021
  18. Kagan, L. Make Your Menopause A Positive Experience. https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopauseflashes/menopause-symptoms-and-treatments/make-your-menopause-a-positive-experience Accessed: 22 June 2021
  19. Menopause Management: Healthy Living – Lifestyle & Symptoms of Menopause. Last Updated: 07 June 2021 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-management/ Accessed: 22 June 2021
  20. Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Lifestyle and Home Remedies. 14 October 2020. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353401 Accessed: 22 June 2021
  21. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Potential Benefits. 2017:1. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/for-women/menonote-deciding-about-ht-2017.pdf Accessed: 22 June 2021
  22. Menopause: What Can You Do To Help With the Menopause? Updated: September 2018:2. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/contents/documents/Resources/Fact_sheets/Menopause.pdf Accessed: 22 June 2021
  23. Menopause – Fact Sheet: See Your Doctor If. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/resources/menopause-fact-sheet Accessed: 22 June 2021
  24. Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment. 14 October 2020. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353401 Accessed: 22 June 2021
  25. Menopause: Overview – When To See A GP. Page Last Reviewed: 29 August 2018. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/#when-to-see-your-gp Accessed: 22 June 2021

Topic Last Updated: 22 July 2021 – Topic Last Reviewed: 22 June 2021
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