What is menopause?

Menopause is a definite time in a woman's life when her periods stop. She is considered to be in the menopause when she has not had a period for 1 whole year.

Menopause happens when the follicles in the ovaries stop producing oestrogen and progesterone, the two main hormones for a woman.

Women are born with all their follicles and do not develop any more as they get older. These follicles are the source of oestrogen and progesterone, which are active mainly during a woman's reproductive years.

Oestrogen and progesterone are vital in controlling the menstrual cycle and fertility. Oestrogen is also vital in maintaining many parts of a woman's body, including her:

As menopause approaches, the follicles release less oestrogen and progesterone. This is the beginning of menopausal symptoms and changes. When the follicles stop working completely, periods stop.

Two other hormones, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH), control oestrogen and progesterone. When oestrogen and progesterone levels drop, FSH and LH are no longer kept in check and their levels start rising. A rising FSH level is an early sign that menopause is approaching. (A blood test for FSH is not usually needed: see Should I get a blood test?)

Some things, such as smoking, can make menopause come earlier. Read about the age of menopause and the factors affecting it.