Hot Flushes and Night Sweats
Vaginal Dryness
Mood Changes and Anxiety
Sleep Disturbances
Low Libido
Bladder Changes and Prolapse
Menopause is a natural stage of life that marks the end of menstrual cycles. In Australia, the average age of menopause is 52.
Perimenopause refers to the transitional years leading up to menopause, when hormone levels begin to fluctuate.
Menopause is defined as the point in time when it has been 12 months since your last menstrual period, indicating that the ovaries have stopped releasing eggs.
Post-menopause is the stage that follows menopause.
For many women, symptoms begin during perimenopause and may continue for several years after menopause.
Vaginal dryness is a common and often under-discussed symptom of menopause.
45–63% of post-menopausal women report vulvovaginal symptoms
This increases to up to 80% in women aged 65 and over
These changes occur primarily due to declining oestrogen levels and can cause discomfort, irritation, pain during intercourse and recurrent infections.
Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can significantly affect mood.
You may notice:
Increased anxiety or feeling overwhelmed
Low mood, irritability or sadness
Emotional responses that feel out of proportion to the situation
These changes are common and very real, and they are often linked to fluctuating hormone levels.
Many women experience sleep difficulties during menopause, even without hot flushes or night sweats.
Changing hormone levels can:
Disrupt your body clock
Make it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep
Poor sleep can have a significant impact on mental health, energy levels and overall wellbeing.
A reduced sex drive is another common concern during menopause.
Low libido may be influenced by:
Hormonal changes
Vaginal dryness or discomfort
Emotional and psychological factors
Fatigue and poor sleep
Declining hormone levels can affect neurotransmitters involved in sexual desire and arousal.
Hormonal changes can also affect bladder and pelvic health.
Some women notice:
Needing to urinate more frequently
Difficulty “holding on”
A feeling of bladder pressure or discomfort
