What should you know about female menopause?

The transition often begins with changing cycle patterns and may include hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disruption, mood changes, vaginal dryness, reduced sexual desire, or urinary symptoms. Menopause is confirmed after periods have stopped for a sustained interval, unless another explanation needs consideration. Pelvic floor changes can contribute to pressure or a bulge, but pelvic organ prolapse is a separate condition that should be assessed on its own.

Record cycle changes and symptoms, including their effect on sleep, work, intimacy, and daily activities. Regular movement, comfortable layers, sleep routines, and avoiding personal triggers may help some people. A clinician can discuss vaginal moisturisers or lubricants, local treatments, menopausal hormone therapy, non-hormonal medicines, and pelvic-floor support. Choice depends on symptoms, medical history, risks, and preferences.

Arrange an appointment for troublesome symptoms, bleeding that returns after menopause, persistent pelvic pressure, painful sex, or urinary changes. Seek urgent care for very heavy bleeding, severe pelvic or abdominal pain, chest pain, sudden breathlessness, or one-sided weakness. New or worsening low mood also deserves prompt support.

Ask whether your symptoms fit perimenopause or another condition, which treatments suit your history, and how vaginal or pelvic symptoms should be examined. Discuss bone, heart, sexual, and mental wellbeing as part of ongoing care.