Menopause: What It Is, Age, Stages, Signs & Side Effects
Menopause is a natural phase of life, but for many women, it arrives with more questions than answers. You might wonder when it starts, what’s normal, and whether your recent symptoms are related. Understanding menopause can help you feel more in control of your health and more prepared for the changes ahead.
Let’s walk through what menopause actually is, what age it usually starts, the stages involved, and the common symptoms and side effects you might experience.
What Is Menopause?
Menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. It’s diagnosed when you’ve gone 12 months without a menstrual period. It’s not a sudden event, but the final stage in a longer transition called the menopausal journey. This shift affects your hormones, primarily oestrogen and progesterone, and those changes can influence everything from mood and sleep to metabolism and bone health.
What Age Does Menopause Usually Start?
Most women reach menopause between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average menopause age in Australia around 51. However, the timing can vary. Some women experience early menopause before 45 or even premature menopause before 40, often due to genetics, surgery, or medical conditions.
Perimenopause, or the years leading up to menopause, can start as early as your late 30s or early 40s. This is when hormonal fluctuations begin, and many of the symptoms commonly linked to menopause actually start showing up.
What Are the 1st Signs of Menopause?
If you’ve been asking “what are the 1st signs of menopause?”, here’s what to watch for. Early signs usually appear during perimenopause, and they can include:
Irregular periods or changes in your cycle
Mood swings or irritability
Fatigue or trouble sleeping
Vaginal dryness or discomfort
Difficulty concentrating or memory lapses
Weight gain, especially around the belly
These early menopause symptoms can be subtle or intense and may come and go. For some women, the changes are barely noticeable, while for others, they can significantly affect daily life.
Stages of Menopause
There are three main stages to be aware of:
Perimenopause:
This stage can last 4-10 years and includes the hormonal ups and downs that cause most menopause symptoms. Your cycle may become irregular, and you might start noticing changes in mood, sleep, libido, and body temperature.
Menopause:
Officially begins once you’ve gone 12 consecutive months without a period. Hormone levels are lower and more stable, but symptoms can still persist.
Postmenopause:
This phase begins after that one-year mark and lasts for the rest of your life. Some symptoms may ease, but others, like increased risk of osteoporosis or heart disease, may require ongoing support. Learn more about how to prevent osteoporosis here.
Common Menopause Symptoms
The most talked-about symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. But there are many others. Here are some of the most common:
Sleep disturbances or insomnia
Vaginal dryness and reduced libido
Anxiety, depression, or irritability
Joint aches and muscle pain
Skin and hair changes (thinning, dryness)
Brain fog or forgetfulness
Slower metabolism and weight gain
If you're experiencing sudden hot flashes, nausea, and dizziness but your hormone levels are still normal, it may not be menopause. Read more on sudden hot flashes, nausea, dizziness: not menopause.
Why Symptoms Vary So Much
Every woman’s experience with menopause is different. Genetics, lifestyle, stress levels, and overall health all play a role in how your body navigates this transition.
Some women breeze through it with minimal symptoms, while others struggle with intense fatigue, mood shifts, and physical changes. Support, testing, and personalised treatment can make a big difference in how you feel during this time.
How Menopause Affects Your Body Long-Term
Beyond the immediate symptoms, menopause affects your long-term health. As oestrogen drops, your risk for certain conditions rises, including:
Osteoporosis
Heart disease
Insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes
Depression or cognitive decline
Weight gain and body composition changes
Menopause belly is a common concern. Shifting hormones can lead to increased abdominal fat, even with no changes to your diet or routine. If you’re wondering how to get rid of menopause belly, a combination of hormone support, strength training, and tailored nutrition can help.
Can You Get Pregnant After Menopause?
No. Once you’ve officially reached menopause, your ovaries no longer release eggs, and pregnancy is no longer possible. However, during perimenopause, your fertility declines but doesn’t disappear completely. If you’re not ready for pregnancy and are still getting periods, it’s important to use contraception. Learn more about whether you can you get pregnant after menopause.
Navigating Menopause with Support
Menopause is a natural stage of life, not a medical condition, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through it without help. At Evergreen Doctors, we take a holistic, Functional Medicine approach that looks at your hormones, nutrition, stress levels, and lifestyle to support you through each phase.
You don’t have to figure it out on your own. We work with you to ease symptoms, reduce risks, and help you feel more like yourself again.
Need Support with Menopause?
If you’re starting to notice changes or you’re deep in the middle of it, we’re here to help. Book a consultation with Evergreen Doctors and get personalised care for every stage of menopause.