Menopause
When periods stop for good, common symptoms, and health after menopause.
✓ Clinically reviewed · Catherine, RN & Juah, RN
When should I get help?
- If symptoms affect your health or daily life.
- Any bleeding after your periods have stopped for good should be checked.
Key things to remember
- Menopause usually happens between 45 and 55.
- Use contraception until 12 months without a period.
- Treatments can ease symptoms — ask a health worker.
📖 Read the full lesson
Menopause is when monthly periods stop for good because the ovaries stop releasing eggs. It is confirmed after 12 months in a row without a period. Most women reach menopause between ages 45 and 55.
The years before (perimenopause) can bring changes in periods, hot flushes and night sweats, vaginal dryness and pain during sex, leaking urine, trouble sleeping, and mood changes. Some women have few symptoms; others have symptoms that affect daily life.
Pregnancy is still possible until periods have stopped for 12 months, so keep using contraception until then. STIs, including HIV, can still be caught after menopause.
After menopause, bones get weaker and the risk of heart disease rises. Treatments are available for symptoms. Talk to a health worker — there is no need to feel embarrassed.
📚 Sources
- NHS (UK) — Periods Last reviewed 5 Jan 2023 (review overdue) · accessed 31 Oct 2026
- World Health Organization — Menopause (fact sheet) 16 Oct 2024 · accessed 1 Nov 2026
Written in plain language from these sources. It does not imply endorsement by these organizations.
HH-ART-026 · Version 1.0 · Last updated 4 Nov 2026
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