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Menopause is the point when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, provided there is no other explanation for the absence of periods. It marks the end of natural menstrual cycles and reproductive function.
Menopause usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, although it can happen earlier due to changes in ovarian function, surgery or certain medical treatments.
As estrogen levels decline, women may experience symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, mood changes and vaginal dryness. Some women experience few symptoms, while others find that the changes affect their everyday life, relationships and overall wellbeing.
Menopause is a natural life stage, not a disease. However, symptoms that affect your quality of life can often be managed with appropriate treatment and individualised medical care.
These terms describe different stages of the menopausal transition.
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Symptoms can begin during perimenopause and continue into postmenopause. Vaginal dryness and some urinary symptoms, in particular, may persist or become more noticeable over time. If you are still having periods but notice changes in your cycle alongside other symptoms, read our guide to perimenopause.
Natural menopause most commonly occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. The timing varies from person to person and can be influenced by genetics, medical history, smoking and certain medical treatments.
Menopause before age 45 is generally described as early menopause. When ovarian function declines before age 40, a condition called premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) may need to be investigated.
Menopause can also occur suddenly after removal of both ovaries or following treatments that affect ovarian function.
If menopause occurs earlier than expected, medical assessment is important because the implications for bone health, cardiovascular health and longer-term wellbeing may differ from those of menopause at the usual age.
Menopause symptoms vary considerably. Some women experience a few mild changes, while others have multiple symptoms that affect sleep, mood, physical comfort and daily functioning.
Hot flashes are sudden sensations of heat, often affecting the face, neck and chest. They may cause flushing, sweating, palpitations or chills. When they occur during sleep, they are known as night sweats.
These symptoms can disrupt sleep and contribute to fatigue, irritability and difficulty concentrating.
Some women find it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep or feel rested in the morning. Night sweats may contribute to disrupted sleep, while mood changes and other health conditions can also play a role.
Persistent fatigue should not automatically be attributed to menopause. A medical assessment may help identify other contributing factors.
Hormonal changes during the menopause transition may coincide with increased irritability, anxiety, mood fluctuations or low mood. Poor sleep and other midlife pressures can contribute to these experiences.
Persistent or severe symptoms deserve appropriate assessment and treatment rather than being dismissed as an inevitable part of ageing.
Brain fog describes experiences such as forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, reduced mental clarity or trouble finding words. These symptoms can occur during the menopause transition and may be influenced by sleep disruption and mood changes.
Significant or worsening cognitive difficulties should be assessed rather than automatically attributed to menopause.
Some women notice an increase in abdominal fat or changes in body composition around midlife. Ageing, declining muscle mass, physical activity, sleep, diet and hormonal changes can all contribute.
Weight changes are not caused by menopause alone. Regular exercise, resistance training, balanced nutrition and appropriate metabolic health assessments can help address these changes.
Declining estrogen can affect vaginal and vulvar tissues, leading to dryness, irritation, burning or discomfort during sex. These symptoms can persist after menopause and may worsen without treatment.
Vaginal moisturisers, lubricants and certain prescription treatments may help, depending on the symptoms and individual circumstances.
Some women experience reduced sexual desire during menopause. Physical discomfort, sleep, mood, medication and relationship factors can all influence libido.
A change in sexual desire is not necessarily caused by hormones alone. Identifying the contributing factors can help guide appropriate treatment.
Joint and muscle aches, skin dryness, hair thinning and headaches are also reported around menopause. These symptoms are not specific to menopause, however, and other causes may need to be considered.
Menopause-related changes in the urinary and genital tissues can contribute to urinary urgency, discomfort, recurrent urinary tract infections and incontinence in some women. These symptoms deserve assessment because other conditions may cause similar problems.
Menopause symptoms can last for several years, and their duration varies considerably between women. Some symptoms improve over time, while others persist after the final menstrual period.
Hot flashes and night sweats may gradually become less frequent, but vaginal dryness, discomfort during sex and some urinary symptoms can continue or worsen without treatment.
The duration and severity of symptoms cannot be predicted precisely for an individual. If symptoms continue to affect your sleep, comfort, relationships or quality of life, treatment may still be helpful after menopause.
For women around the usual age of menopause, diagnosis is generally based on menstrual history and symptoms rather than routine hormone testing.
A doctor may ask about changes in periods, hot flashes, sleep, mood, vaginal or urinary symptoms, medical history and medications. Further investigations may be recommended if symptoms are unusual, menopause occurs earlier than expected, or another condition needs to be ruled out.
Blood tests are not routinely necessary to diagnose menopause in otherwise healthy women aged 45 and over with typical symptoms. Hormone levels fluctuate during the transition, so a single test may not reliably establish the stage of menopause.
Assessment may be different for women under 45, particularly those under 40, or for women whose menstrual patterns are affected by hormonal contraception or medical treatment.
Menopause treatment depends on the symptoms, their impact on daily life, medical history and personal preferences. Options include hormone therapy, non-hormonal treatments, targeted treatment for vaginal and urinary symptoms, and lifestyle measures that support overall health.
Not every woman needs medication. The aim is to identify which symptoms require treatment and choose an approach that is appropriate for the individual.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) replaces estrogen, with a progestogen added when needed to protect the lining of the uterus. It is an effective treatment for troublesome menopause symptoms, particularly hot flashes and night sweats.
HRT may be available as tablets, skin patches, gels, sprays and vaginal preparations, depending on the treatment required. The appropriate option depends on the symptoms, medical history and individual risk factors.
HRT is not suitable for everyone. A healthcare professional can discuss its potential benefits, risks and alternatives and review treatment over time.
For more detail, read our dedicated guide to hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Women who cannot take HRT, prefer not to use it or need additional symptom management may have non-hormonal options.
Depending on the symptoms, these may include prescription medicines or menopause-specific cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which can help some women manage symptoms and their impact on daily life.
Treatment should be selected according to the symptoms and the individual’s health circumstances.
Vaginal moisturisers and lubricants can help relieve dryness and discomfort. Low-dose vaginal estrogen may be appropriate for persistent genitourinary symptoms in some women.
Urinary urgency, recurrent infections, incontinence and pain should be assessed to identify the cause and determine the most suitable treatment.
Lifestyle changes can help maintain health during and after menopause, although they may not be sufficient on their own to manage moderate or severe symptoms.
Supplements and herbal products are often marketed for menopause symptoms, but evidence for their effectiveness and safety varies. They may also interact with prescription medicines.
Discuss supplements with a healthcare professional before using them, particularly if you have an existing health condition or take medication. Natural products are not automatically safe or effective.
Menopause is a useful time to review health risks that become increasingly important in midlife. Not every woman will develop these problems, but understanding them can help guide appropriate prevention and screening.
Declining estrogen contributes to bone loss, increasing osteoporosis risk in some women
Blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, smoking and other risk factors should be assessed and managed
Maintaining muscle mass, physical activity and a balanced diet supports strength and metabolic health
Genitourinary symptoms can persist after menopause and may need ongoing treatment
Preventive care should be based on age, personal and family history, symptoms and individual risk factors. HRT may be appropriate for menopause symptom management, but it is not automatically recommended solely to prevent cardiovascular disease or other chronic conditions.
Early menopause occurs before age 45. Menopause before age 40 may indicate premature ovarian insufficiency, which requires appropriate clinical assessment.
Surgical menopause occurs when both ovaries are removed, causing an abrupt decline in ovarian hormone production. Certain cancer treatments and other medical interventions can also bring about menopause.
Menopause at a younger age may have implications for bone health and other aspects of long-term wellbeing. Treatment decisions should be individualised, taking account of the cause of menopause, symptoms, medical history and any contraindications.
Consider consulting a healthcare professional if you experience:
Any vaginal bleeding after menopause needs medical assessment, even if it occurs only once or consists of light spotting. Bleeding should not automatically be attributed to menopause or dismissed as normal.
Heavy bleeding accompanied by faintness, severe weakness or other acute symptoms may require urgent medical care.
A clinical assessment can help clarify the cause of symptoms, identify other health concerns and guide appropriate treatment.
Natural menopause most commonly occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. The timing varies, and some women experience menopause earlier because of ovarian conditions, surgery or medical treatment.
Weight and body composition can change during midlife. Ageing, reduced muscle mass, activity levels, sleep and hormonal changes may all contribute. Menopause is not the only cause of weight gain.
Yes, anxiety, mood changes and difficulties with concentration or memory can occur during the menopause transition. Sleep disruption may contribute. Persistent or severe symptoms should be assessed to identify appropriate treatment and rule out other causes.
Menopause is identified retrospectively after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, when other causes have been excluded. The stage after that point is called postmenopause. Symptoms can continue during postmenopause.
HRT can be effective for managing menopause symptoms, but its suitability depends on individual circumstances, including age, medical history and risk factors. A healthcare professional can explain the potential benefits, risks and alternatives.
Yes. The decline in estrogen contributes to bone loss, while cardiovascular risk factors can change during midlife. Appropriate screening, physical activity, nutrition and management of individual risk factors are important. Preventive treatment should be based on clinical assessment.
Yes. Vaginal dryness, irritation and discomfort during sex can persist or become more noticeable after menopause. Treatments such as vaginal moisturisers, lubricants and low-dose vaginal estrogen may help, depending on individual needs.
Seek medical advice when symptoms affect your sleep, mood, relationships or daily life, or when you want to discuss treatment options. Any vaginal bleeding after menopause should be assessed promptly, even if it occurs only once.
Yes. At Adrita, we often begin with natural and lifestyle-based approaches, which can be very effective, especially in early or mild cases. Natural menopause treatment options at Adrita include:
Nutrition and exercise
Mindfulness, yoga, or stress management
Vitamin D, calcium, or plant-based supplements
A gynaecologist with expertise in menopause is the best doctor to guide you through this phase. At Adrita, Dr. Ankita Mittal is a menopause and metabolic health specialist who provides personalised care — from natural solutions to hormone therapy, based on your unique needs.
Menopause is a natural stage of life, but the symptoms and health changes associated with it deserve attention when they affect your wellbeing.
Dr. Ankita Mittal at Adrita Menopause Wellness provides menopause-focused care tailored to individual symptoms, medical history and health needs. Understanding your options can help you make informed decisions about symptom management and long-term health.
To learn more about menopause care, explore the services available at Adrita Menopause Wellness.
Adrita Menopause Wellness is Gurgaon’s top clinic dedicated to supporting women through menopause, perimenopause, and midlife health transitions.
