The menopause is the point at which a woman has her last period. It is difficult to predict exactly when this is, but generally when a woman has not had a period for 1 year the menopause is complete. Leading up to this time a woman may get menopausal symptoms even though she is still having periods. Women have a menopause because the ovaries have stopped producing eggs and the hormone called oestrogen.

What are the signs and symptoms?

• Irregular periods
• Periods stopping
• Hot flushes/night sweats
• Memory loss
• Mood swings
• Vaginal dryness
• Urinary problems/infections