Before we Start...
Just a heads-up — we’re not GPs or medical professionals here at Meno Flames and Finesse, so we can’t offer personal medical advice. What we can do is point you toward trustworthy information and resources to help you do your own research, check the facts, and make choices that feel right for you. Aside from our own Facebook group, we’re not officially connected to any menopause specialists or outside resources.
What is Menopause?
Understanding the Transition
Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycles. It’s officially diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. While often viewed as a single moment, menopause is actually a gradual transition with distinct stages.
Stages of Menopause:
Perimenopause (4–10 years): Hormonal fluctuations and early symptoms begin.
Menopause: One year after the last menstrual period.
Post-Menopause: Hormone levels remain low; some symptoms ease, but health risks increase.
Menopause is not a single event—it’s a transition that can last 7–14 years.
Symptoms of Menopause Include:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Mood swings
- Irregular periods
- Vaginal dryness
- Sleep disturbances
- Brain fog
Menopause Symptoms Explained: The Role of Oestrogen and Progesterone
As the supply of eggs in the ovaries dwindles, the levels of key hormones, oestrogen and progesterone, begin to fluctuate, sometimes unpredictably. Since hormone receptors exist throughout the body, this shift can lead to a wide range of physical, psychological, and cognitive symptoms. However, experiences vary widely, with some people navigating menopause with minimal disruption while others encounter more pronounced effects.
Progesterone is typically the first hormone to decline. Known for its role in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, it also has calming and sleep-inducing properties. When progesterone drops, often swiftly, it can disrupt sleep patterns, leaving some individuals struggling with restlessness or insomnia.
Meanwhile, oestrogen levels begin to fluctuate, sometimes dramatically, leading to a diverse array of symptoms that may seem unrelated at first. Many women don’t immediately recognize these changes as menopause-related, making the transition even more complex.
While menopause is often spoken of as a temporary phase, it’s important to acknowledge that symptoms can persist beyond the transition. While some fade over time, others may linger for years, and a small proportion of women will experience menopausal symptoms indefinitely. When Does Menopause Happen?
For most women in the UK, menopause naturally occurs around the age of 51, though this can vary. Some experience it earlier, while others transition later.
Menopause before 40 is known as premature menopause, or premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). It affects roughly 1 in 100 women under 40, 1 in 1,000 under 30, and 1 in 10,000 under 20. Meanwhile, early menopause refers to the permanent cessation of periods between ages 40 and 45.
Menopause can also be triggered by medical interventions:
Surgical menopause occurs when both ovaries are removed.
Medical menopause happens when ovarian function is disrupted by treatments like chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or other medical conditions.
Because menopause can arrive unexpectedly through surgery or medical treatment, it is crucial for individuals to receive full counselling
