In brief
The time in life when monthly periods stop. You have reached menopause after 12 months without a period, and most Australian females reach it between 45 and 55, at 51 on average.
- Menopause before 40 is called premature menopause, and between 40 and 45 it is called early menopause.
- Females often lose bone mass more quickly after menopause, according to healthdirect.
- See your doctor if symptoms get in the way of daily life, or if you have vaginal bleeding after a year without a period.
How it works
Perimenopause is the stage leading up to menopause, from when periods become irregular until 12 months after the final period. Menopause is a natural life stage caused by a change in hormones, and it can also follow surgery to remove the ovaries or uterus, or cancer treatment. Symptoms can include hot flushes, night sweats, sleep problems, muscle and joint aches, a dry vagina, headaches or migraines, a larger waist, difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, anxiety, low mood or mood swings, and loss of libido.
Regular exercise, healthy eating, good sleep and stress management can ease symptoms. Menopause hormone therapy (MHT) may reduce hot flushes, night sweats and sleep problems, and non-hormonal prescription medicines may help if hormone therapy is not right for you. In the longer term, bone thinning (osteoporosis) is a risk, and weight gain may increase the chance of heart disease.
Connections
7 connections on the map. Select a topic to read its page.
Menopause can cause
Sleep problems, hot flushes and night sweats are symptoms of menopause.
Loss of libido is one of the symptoms of menopause.
- Low mood and low motivation Supported
Anxiety, low mood or mood swings and difficulty concentrating can happen during menopause.
- Headaches Supported
Headaches or migraines can be a symptom of menopause.
Menopause can raise
Females often lose bone mass more quickly after menopause, and bone thinning is a longer-term risk of menopause.
Sources: healthdirect Australia, Osteoporosis; healthdirect Australia, Menopause
Being female after menopause is a risk factor for coronary heart disease, and weight gain at menopause may increase the chance of heart disease.
Sources: healthdirect Australia, Coronary heart disease; healthdirect Australia, Menopause
Menopause affects
Menopause is when monthly periods stop, confirmed after 12 months without a period.
Sources
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Summarised from healthdirect. Sources read on 16 and 19 October 2026. General education only, not medical advice. Spotted a mistake? Please tell us through the HuBu-Intel contact page.