Menopause? What do I need to know and do?

Table of Contents

Menopause is something every woman will eventually experience, yet it often comes with many questions and uncertainties. What’s happening in the body? What symptoms are normal? And most importantly—what can you do to stay healthy during this phase? Let’s walk through it together.

What is menopause? [1]

Menopause is a natural stage in a woman’s life that marks the end of her reproductive years. It is diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, when the ovaries stop releasing eggs and levels of estrogen and progesterone decline. This usually occurs between the ages of 45–55, although it can happen earlier or be induced by medical or surgical treatments affecting ovarian function.
Before menopause, women experience a transition phase called perimenopause, which can last several years, during which menstrual cycles become irregular and symptoms may appear, affecting physical, emotional, and social well-being. Hormonal changes during this period can also impact metabolism, bone health, heart health, and mood.

A Menopause health screening package can help assess overall health status, identify early risks, and support timely management during this transition.

Symptoms of menopause [2]

Menopause is a highly individual experience, with symptoms and their severity varying from person to person. Fluctuating estrogen levels are the main driver of these changes—some women may notice only mild symptoms, while others may experience more disruptive effects.

Common symptoms include

Hot flashes

Night sweats

Irregular periods

Sleep disturbances

Mood changes

Vaginal dryness

Reduced libido

Fatigue, brain fog

Weight gain

Because these symptoms can overlap with other health conditions, many women benefit from a Female hormone imbalance test to assess overall health status and ensure appropriate management.

Medical treatment for menopause [2,3]

Menopause itself does not require treatment, but symptoms and long-term health risks may need to be managed.

01

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

This is the most effective treatment for:

  • Hot flashes
  • Night sweats
  • Bone loss

It is typically prescribed at the lowest effective dose for a limited duration.

02

Local estrogen therapy

Used for vaginal symptoms like dryness, with minimal effects on the rest of the body.

03

Non-hormonal options

For women who cannot take hormones:

  • Certain antidepressants
  • Gabapentin
  • Newer targeted therapies

04

Other approaches

  • Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)
  • Vaginal laser treatments (e.g., GynaeLase)
  • Selected supplements
  • Note: Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any treatment.

What supplements do I need to take? + Consult a dietitian for tailored advice [2,4]

While supplements can support health during menopause, they are not one-size-fits-all.

Evidence-based supplements for menopause symptoms include:

In addition, a balanced diet for menopause weight gain—focusing on adequate protein, high-fibre foods, and reduced intake of sugar and unhealthy fats—can help manage weight and support metabolic health.

As individual needs vary, all supplements and dietary strategies should be personalised. A woman’s wellness medical check-up is recommended to assess overall health status and guide appropriate nutrition and supplement needs during menopause.

Reference

  1. World Health Organization. Menopause [Internet]. Geneva: WHO; 2024 Oct 16 [cited 2026 Apr 24]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/menopause 
  2. Specialist Australia. Menopause information booklet [Internet]. Australia: Specialist Australia; n.d. [cited 2026 Apr 24]. Available from: https://specialistaustralia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sca-menopause-information-booklet.pdf
    3. Mayo Clinic Staff. Menopause: diagnosis and treatment [Internet]. Rochester (MN): Mayo Clinic; n.d. [cited 2026 Apr 24]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353401
  3. Praxis Medical Insights. Menopause management [Internet]. Praxis Medical Insights; 2025 [cited 2026 Apr 25]. Available from: https://praxismed.org/article/2cee7306-95b0-40ee-a2d9-9aedf039605f?z=0

Women's Health FAQs

Why am I gaining weight after menopause?

Hormonal changes can affect body composition and metabolism.

Why do I have hot flushes?

Hot flushes are commonly associated with menopause and hormonal changes.

Why am I losing bone strength?

Bone density naturally declines with age, particularly after menopause

Why do women experience more health changes after menopause?

Hormonal changes can affect metabolism, bone density, cardiovascular health, sleep quality, and body composition

For a full range of screening options, review our woman comprehensive health screening packages.

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