Frequently asked questions

• What is menopause?

  Menopause literally means the last monthly period of a woman’s life. However, it is confirmed when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months.

  For most women, menopause usually occurs between the ages of 45 to 55 years and the average age is 51 years.

  Oestrogen levels play an important role in a woman’s life. They rise at puberty with the onset of childbearing years and then increase and decrease rhythmically with your menstrual cycle. They peak during pregnancy and then decline as you reach menopause and your menstrual cycle ceases.

• What happens after menopause?

  Life after menopause is defined as the time after the menopause transition has been completed.

  Many women want to support their general health and wellbeing as hormone level changes begin to ease, including the natural decline of oestrogen associated with the ageing process.  This is an important time for women to top up on additional nutrients and continue to support and care for their health and wellbeing.

  If symptoms persist talk to your health professional.

• How do I know its menopause?

  ‘Is it? Isn’t it? I have skipped a period, nights are restless, but I’m not old enough yet! Am I pregnant or has it really started?’ A whirlwind of thoughts with no one to turn to, to share them. Discussing this delicate matter with friends or relatives may feel awkward. Sometimes, we even feel awkward discussing this with our GPs or other health professionals. The days of grinning and bearing it are on the way out. There are no prizes for martyrdom. 

  Talk to your health professional if symptoms persist.