Menopause is a significant transition in a woman’s life that could feel like a mystery until you are right in the middle of it. For many, it brings questions and even confusion. That is why we have created this comprehensive FAQ to help demystify menopause.
When does menopause start?
Menopause does not happen overnight. It is a gradual process, and for most women, the first signs of menopause are subtle changes, such as your cycle getting a bit shorter or your period skipping a month. This in-between phase, called perimenopause, usually starts in your late 40s and can bring unpredictable shifts in your monthly rhythm.
You officially reach menopause once you have not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. On average, this occurs between the ages of 51 and 52.
However, menopause can occur earlier. If it begins before age 45, it is considered early menopause. If it occurs before age 40, it is referred to as premature menopause.
What is premenopausal?
Premenopause refers to the time when a woman is still having menstrual periods—whether regular or irregular—but has not yet experienced noticeable symptoms of hormonal decline. This stage is considered part of the reproductive years, although subtle changes in hormones may be occurring.
How long can menopause last?
Menopause itself is defined as a single point in time—the moment you have gone 12 months without a period. However, the transition surrounding it can span several years.
Once menopause is reached, you enter the postmenopausal phase, which continues for the rest of your life. The symptoms and intensity vary widely from one woman to another.
What signals the end of menopause?
The end of menopause is marked by the completion of a full year without menstruation. At this point, the ovaries have significantly reduced their production of estrogen, and a woman transitions into postmenopause. While some symptoms may continue, this marks the end of the reproductive years.
What is postmenopause?
Postmenopause begins after a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a period. This phase continues for the rest of her life. While some menopausal symptoms may fade, others may persist. Women in postmenopause are at increased risk of conditions such as heart disease and osteoporosis, so ongoing health monitoring is important.
How long does menopause weight gain last?
Weight gain related to menopause often begins during perimenopause and may plateau approximately two years after the final period. For some women, the feeling of ongoing weight gain can persist into postmenopause. It is not always clear whether this is due to hormonal changes or the natural ageing process, but it is something that can be managed with the right approach.
How to lose menopause weight?
Maintaining a healthy weight during menopause is possible, although it may require a more tailored approach. A combination of a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and sustainable habits can help manage weight effectively during menopause.
Eat a balanced diet: Focus on whole foods, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Reducing intake of refined sugars and processed foods can help with weight loss and energy levels.
Stay active: Aim for regular physical activity, including both cardiovascular exercises (such as walking, swimming, or cycling) and strength training. These can help build muscle and support metabolism.
Seek guidance: At our Gold Coast menopause clinic, we offer personalised support and strategies to help women manage weight gain and feel more confident in their bodies.
Does menopause affect libido?
Many women find that their interest in sex changes during menopause. Shifts in hormone levels, especially lower estrogen and testosterone, can affect how the body responds to arousal.
At the same time, stress, relationship dynamics, and how you feel about your body can all influence desire. Often, a combination of open communication, practical lifestyle changes, and support from a trusted healthcare provider can help restore intimacy.
How to get rid of menopause belly?
Reducing menopause belly during perimenopause and postmenopause requires a consistent and holistic approach.
Balanced Nutrition
Focus on whole, nutrient-rich foods that support your energy and overall health. Cut back on processed items and added sugars, especially when you are trying to manage weight before and after menopause.
Portion Control
Eating smaller portions can encourage you to tune in when you are truly hungry and when you have had enough. Over time, this approach can support a more balanced way of eating.
Hydration
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps with digestion and can also curb unnecessary snacking. Often, what feels like hunger is actually thirst.
Exercise
A combination of cardio and resistance training is ideal for reducing fat and maintaining muscle. Moving your body regularly also supports mood, bone health, and sleep quality.
Stress Management
Chronic stress can lead to elevated cortisol, which is linked to increased belly fat. Practices like yoga, meditation, and even a simple daily walk can help you stay grounded and balanced.
Sleep
Quality sleep is essential for regulating hormones and supporting a healthy metabolism. Try to keep a regular sleep schedule and create a calming bedtime routine to help your body wind down.
How to increase sex drive during menopause?
There are several ways to support libido during menopause:
- Spend more time on foreplay to enhance intimacy and comfort.
- Explore lubricants and vaginal moisturisers to ease any physical discomfort.
- Be open to new experiences that can reignite interest and excitement.
- Discuss options like hormone therapy with your doctor.
At our Gold Coast menopause clinic, we provide compassionate and discreet support to help you find what works best for your body and lifestyle.
Can menopause make you tired?
Yes, feeling unusually tired during menopause is common and often tied to changing hormone levels, poor sleep, and emotional strain. Restoring energy is possible with a few consistent habits, including getting into a regular sleep routine, staying physically active, eating lighter meals, and finding ways to ease stress throughout the day.
We Are Here to Support You
At Her Medical, we understand that every woman’s experience with menopause is unique. That is why we offer personalised care at our Gold Coast women’s health clinic.
Whether you are looking for relief from symptoms, someone to talk to, or clear guidance, our team is here to support you. When you are ready, we welcome you to reach out and take the next step with us.