Menopause is defined by the absence of your period for 12 months. Any vaginal bleeding after these 12 months is considered abnormal and needs to be investigated. Perimenopause means "around menopause" and refers to the transition time before menopause, marking the end of your reproductive years.

With life expectancy increasing, many women spend one-third to half of their lives in menopause. Unfortunately, women often avoid discussing menopause and live with symptoms because they believe it’s a normal part of aging.

Symptoms of menopause

Symptoms of menopause vary among women and can include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Hot flushes and night sweats

• Irritability

• Joint aches and pains

• Vaginal dryness

• Prolapse and incontinence

• Pain with intercourse

Treating menopause

Treating menopause always begins with optimizing your lifestyle. Lifestyle adjustments include:

• Regular exercise

• Decreasing or stopping alcohol

• Limiting caffeine

• Wearing layers and using a fan at night

• Starting cognitive behavioural therapy