Menopause

Menopause is a natural stage of a woman's life in which her menstrual periods stop permanently and she can no longer get pregnant. The menopausal transition takes place gradually, over a period of years, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. Women navigating this change may experience a variety of symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats, moodiness and irritability, joint and muscle discomfort, disrupted sleep, pain during sex, forgetfulness, and difficulty concentrating. While some women have minimal or mild symptoms, others find that the menopausal transition can significantly affect their quality of life. Fortunately, various treatment options, including lifestyle changes, medications, and hormonal therapies, can help.[1]

10 Symptoms of Menopause and Perimenopause

Medically Reviewed by Kara Smythe, MD | April 22, 2024

Menopause Symptoms That May Surprise You

Medically Reviewed by John Paul McHugh, MD | January 6, 2025

9 Hot Flash Triggers You Should Know About (and How to Deal With Them)

Medically Reviewed by Kara Smythe, MD | August 18, 2022

Predicting How Long the Menopausal Transition Will Last and When You’ll Reach Menopause: Questions and Answers

Medically Reviewed by Kara Smythe, MD | October 4, 2022

Are You Experiencing Perimenopause? Take Our Quiz

Fact-Checked on May 19, 2023

10 Questions to Ask Your Gynecologist About Menopause

Medically Reviewed by Kara Smythe, MD | November 18, 2024

Can GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs Help Treat Menopause Weight Gain?

Medically Reviewed by Adam Gilden, MD, MSCE | November 15, 2024

Treating Menopausal and Perimenopausal Symptoms

Medically Reviewed by Kara Smythe, MD | August 3, 2022

5 Promising Supplements for Menopausal Symptoms

Medically Reviewed by John Paul McHugh, MD | June 20, 2023

What Midlife Women Should Know About Intermittent Fasting

Medically Reviewed by Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCES | January 4, 2023

7 Healthy Foods Women Should Eat During Menopause

Medically Reviewed by Reyna Franco, RDN | June 14, 2023

5 Foods to Avoid During Menopause

Medically Reviewed by Reyna Franco, RDN | May 22, 2023

5 Tips for Better Sex After Menopause

Medically Reviewed by Kara Smythe, MD | November 18, 2024

9 Tricks to Battle Memory Loss in Menopause

Medically Reviewed by Angela D. Harper, MD | June 24, 2024

Menopause Scams to Watch Out For

Medically Reviewed by John Paul McHugh, MD | May 3, 2024

New FDA Panel Recommends Removing Warnings From Estrogen Therapies for Menopause

Fact-Checked on July 22, 2025

How to Keep Your Sex Life Satisfying After Menopause

Fact-Checked on June 30, 2025

Can a Vegan Diet Get Rid of Your Hot Flashes?

Fact-Checked on June 10, 2025

Women Taking Hormone Therapy for Menopause Symptoms Can Stay on It for Decades

Fact-Checked on September 10, 2024

Hormone Therapy May Slow Biological Aging in Older Women

Fact-Checked on September 5, 2024

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