The menopause is when women stop ovulating and stop having periods. This means that a woman can no longer get pregnant and that hormones don’t fluctuate in the same way as they did with monthly menstrual cycles. Menopause usually happens between 45 and 55 years of age, and beforehand, periods may become less frequent before stopping.

Women going through the menopause have low levels of oestrogen, which can result in the skin of the vagina becoming thinner and a reduction in the fluids and mucus produced by the glands in the area. Symptoms of the menopause include hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and mood changes.

Did you know?

Symptoms of the menopause can last for up to 15 years.