Short answer
Most women reach menopause between 45 and 55. Menopause means no period for 12 months. In the years before, periods change and symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, poor sleep, mood changes and vaginal dryness are common. Treatment can help. Any bleeding after 12 months without a period must be checked by a gynaecologist.
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- Dhruva Hospitals, Kadapa
Common symptoms
- Changes in periods: more or less often, heavier or lighter
- Hot flushes and night sweats
- Difficulty sleeping
- Mood swings, low mood, anxiety and poor concentration
- Vaginal dryness, itching or pain during sex
- More urine infections, or leaking urine
- Joint aches, headaches, and dry skin or hair thinning
Symptoms often last several years and can change over time. Some women have very few.
Bleeding after menopause needs a check
If you have not had a period for 12 months and then have any bleeding or spotting, see a gynaecologist soon. It is often caused by something minor, such as thinning of the vaginal lining, but it can be an early sign of cancer of the womb lining, which is very treatable when found early.
The doctor will usually examine you and arrange an ultrasound to measure the womb lining, and sometimes a hysteroscopy or a sample of the lining.
Treatment options
- Lifestyle: regular exercise, a balanced diet, limiting tea, coffee and spicy food if they trigger flushes, and good sleep habits
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which suits many women; your doctor will discuss the benefits and risks for you
- Non-hormonal medicines for hot flushes
- Vaginal moisturisers or low-dose vaginal hormone cream for dryness
Protecting bones and heart
Falling oestrogen after menopause weakens bones and raises the risk of heart disease. Weight-bearing exercise such as walking, enough calcium and vitamin D, and checks of BP, sugar and cholesterol all help. Your doctor may advise a bone density test.
Contraception near menopause
You can still get pregnant in the years before menopause. Continue contraception for 2 years after your last period if you are under 50, and for 1 year if you are 50 or over.
At Dhruva Hospitals
Our gynaecologists help with menopause symptoms and evaluate bleeding after menopause with ultrasound and, if needed, hysteroscopy. Call +91 99599 59694 or WhatsApp us to book with our gynaecology team. OPD hours are 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
Common questions
What is early menopause?
Menopause before age 40 is called premature menopause. See a gynaecologist if your periods stop before 40, as treatment may protect your bones and heart.
Is HRT safe?
HRT helps many women with menopause symptoms, but it is not right for everyone. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and risks for you, based on your age, health and family history.
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This article is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. In an emergency, call +91 90368 52311.