Understanding your menopause journey
Every woman's experience is different, but knowing what is happening at each stage can bring clarity, reassurance and a sense of control. Click through the stages below to explore what is happening in your body and what to look out for.
Pre-menopause
Menopause
Post-menopause
Pre-menopause
Menopause
Post-menopause
Pre-menopause
Typically ages 35–45 · The years leading up to change
What is happening
- Your ovarian reserve begins a gradual natural decline
- Cycles remain mostly regular but subtle hormonal shifts are beginning
- Progesterone may start to dip in the second half of your cycle
- FSH begins to rise subtly as the ovaries work harder
- Your body is still producing hormones well but early signs of change can be present
- This stage is often overlooked — many women don't realise it has begun
Common symptoms
- Worsening PMS symptoms
- Mood shifts or irritability before a period
- Increased anxiety or feeling overwhelmed
- Heavier periods than usual
- Mild breast tenderness
- Changes in libido
- Mild fatigue not explained by lifestyle
- Slight changes in cycle length
- Difficulty sleeping around your period
When to see your GP
- Cycles shorter than 21 days or longer than 35
- Very heavy, prolonged or painful periods
- Bleeding between periods
- Mood changes significantly affecting daily life
- Any concerns you would like to discuss further
Menopause
Typically ages 45–55 · Periods becoming irregular or stopping
What is happening
- Oestrogen levels fluctuate unpredictably — sometimes surging then dropping sharply
- Ovulation becomes irregular and eventually stops
- Periods become unpredictable in frequency, length and flow
- FSH rises significantly as the body tries to stimulate the ovaries
- Menopause is confirmed after 12 consecutive months without a period
- Every system in your body is feeling the effect of falling hormones
- The average age in the UK for the final period is 51
Common symptoms
- Hot flushes and night sweats
- Sleep disruption
- Mood swings, low mood or depression
- Anxiety — sometimes appearing for the first time
- Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
- Memory lapses
- Irregular or absent periods
- Joint aches and stiffness
- Vaginal dryness or discomfort
- Reduced libido
- Heart palpitations
- Headaches or migraines
- Bloating and digestive changes
- Hair thinning or skin changes
- Weight gain particularly around the middle
- Increased fatigue
When to see your GP
- Symptoms significantly affecting your daily life
- Very heavy or unpredictable bleeding
- Low mood, anxiety or depression
- Heart palpitations
- Bleeding after 12 months without a period
- Any concerns you would like to discuss further
Post-menopause
12 months after your final period · Your new baseline
What is happening
- Hormones settle at a new, consistently low baseline
- Your body has completed its transition
- Many acute symptoms ease as the body adapts to stable hormone levels
- The ovaries are no longer producing oestrogen
- Small amounts of oestrogen continue to be made by the adrenal glands and fat tissue
- Long-term health becomes the primary focus at this stage
- For many women this brings a new sense of clarity and freedom
Ongoing symptoms
- Vaginal dryness and discomfort
- Urinary urgency, frequency or recurrent UTIs
- Joint stiffness and muscle aches
- Hot flushes — can persist for several years
- Low mood or emotional flatness
- Reduced libido
- Dry skin and hair thinning
- Memory and cognitive changes
- Fatigue
- Weight management becoming more challenging
- Pelvic floor weakness
When to see your GP
- Any post-menopausal bleeding — always investigate promptly
- Ongoing or worsening symptoms affecting daily life
- Low mood or depression
- Bladder or pelvic floor concerns
- Regular health reviews for heart and bone health
- Any concerns you would like to discuss further