Menopause is defined as having no period for 12 months and usually occurs between 45 and 55 years of age.

The ovaries stop releasing eggs and stop making hormones, which then causes the period to stop.

Perimenopause, or the process of going through menopause presents as:

• Irregular periods, usually further apart
• Symptoms such as hot flushes and/or night sweats
• Difficulty in sleeping
• Depression, sadness and mood swings.
• Vaginal dryness

Please consult your GP if any of these symptoms affect your quality of life, or if bleeding becomes heavy and frequent. Any spotting between periods or any bleeding after a gap of 12 months needs to be investigated urgently.

Tests: Hormone tests may suggest menopause, but they are often not required for diagnosis.

Treatment:
Simple measures can be tried initially for troublesome symptoms:

• Sleep difficulty: sleep at the same time each day and avoid caffeine
• Hot flushes: try cold face washers, avoid hot beverages.
• Vaginal dryness: use lubricant before sex
• Sadness: stay active, exercise, talk to other women.

Hormone replacement therapy may be recommended if symptoms are excessively troublesome.

Antidepressants can help with hot flushes, night sweats and mood swings.