Menopause is when your periods stop due to lower hormone levels. It usually affects women between the ages of 45 and 55, but it can happen earlier.
Menopause can happen naturally, or for reasons such as surgery to remove the ovaries (oophorectomy) or the uterus (hysterectomy), cancer treatments like chemotherapy, or a genetic reason.
Some symptoms of the menopause may include:
- changes to your period
- changes to your mood, like low mood, anxiety, mood swings and low self-esteem
- problems with memory or concentration (brain fog)
- hot flushes, when you have sudden feelings of hot or cold in your face, neck and chest which can make you dizzy
- difficulty sleeping, which may be a result of night sweats and make you feel tired and irritable during the day
You can read more about other symptoms, things you can do, treatment and help and support on the NHS website.
You should see a GP or nurse if you think you have perimenopause ( the transitional period before the menopause where estrogen hormones begin to decrease and you may experience menopause like symptoms) or menopause symptoms. You can also speak to a pharmacist for advice about treatments.
Events for people in Greater Manchester
World Menopause Day 2024 Create and Debate, Thursday 17 October, 5pm to 7pm, The Whitworth Art Gallery, Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6ER. This event is for people with lived experience of, perimenopause or post menopause. Get together and spend a couple of hours to be creative and get expert information from professionals in the field of creativity and menopause.
Creative Menopause Friday 18 October, 1pm to 4pm, The Whitworth Art Gallery, Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6ER. A drop-in session to find out about menopause and the role of creativity. Take part in creative workshops, and activities for women experiencing all stages of menopause, including pre and post.
Events for people who work in health care across Greater Manchester
An Introduction to Peri-Menopause and Menopause with Stockport NHS Foundation Trust. Friday 18 October, 2.30pm to 3.30pm, online. An introductory session to the peri-menopause, and menopause journey, what you need to look out for and what you may want to pay attention to.
GM Menopause Cafe with the GM Menopause Network. Friday 18 October, 1pm to 2pm, online. Join this cafe to share your menopause experiences and listen to other people’s experiences with curiosity. This supportive session is for anyone experiencing the impacts of menopause of all ages and genders.
Menopause and Mental Health with Manchester Mind. Wednesday 6 November, 9.30am to 11am, online. Menopause doesn’t just impact our bodies – our mental health can often take a hit at this time of life too. Mood swings, sleep disturbances, higher than normal levels of anxiety or constant low mood are some of the more common mental health symptoms impacting on our ability to cope day-to-day. This workshop will focus on why stress is harder to manage at this time of life and outline why mindfulness and relaxation techniques might help.