Menopause occurs when a woman stops having periods and is no longer able to get pregnant due to lower hormone levels. It usually happens between 45 and 55 years of age or younger.
Periods usually start to become less frequent over a few months or years before they stop altogether. Sometimes they can stop suddenly.
Menopause can also 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. Sometimes the reason is unknown.
Perimenopause is when you have symptoms of menopause, but your periods have not stopped. Perimenopause ends, and you reach menopause when you have not had a period for 12 months.
Symptoms for both can have a big impact on your life, including relationships and work. There are things you can do to help with symptoms. There are also medicines that can replace the missing hormones and help relieve your symptoms.
Information on menopause and how to seek support is available at Menopause | nidirect