Definition and symptoms of menopause

This topic covers assessment and treatment of menopause in individuals presumed female at birth, except in individuals who have had gender-affirming hormone therapy or surgery; see Trans and gender diverse health for links to support gender-inclusive primary healthcare.

Menopause refers to the final menstrual period. Perimenopause is the 4- to 8-year transitional stage of increasingly irregular menstrual cycles leading up to the final menstrual period, and the first 12 months following the final period. After 12 months of amenorrhoea, the individual is considered postmenopausal.

The median age at which menopause occurs is 51 years, with a normal range of 45 to 55 years. Menopause occurring before age 40 years is called ‘premature ovarian insufficiency’; menopause occurring between ages 40 and 45 years is called ‘early menopause’ (see Premature ovarian insufficiency and early menopause).

Symptoms of menopause (listed in Symptoms of menopause) occur in around 75% of females, and are moderate to severe in 28%. Symptoms may start during perimenopause and last, on average, 7 to 10 years. Vasomotor symptoms (hot flushes and night sweats) predominate in perimenopause, but urogenital symptoms become more common with age.