A few facts
What is menopause?
The word ‘menopause’, in biological terms, literally means ‘the stopping of monthly periods’. But menopause is so much more than that and doesn’t happen overnight.
It is normal and inevitable stage of life. The opposite of puberty or puberty in reverse; an important hormonal milestone and the result of a series of hormonal changes which can affect someone cognitively, physically and emotionally.
Like puberty or pregnancy, it is a transition to a new phase of life. Some people and cultures see menopause as ‘a second spring’ or ‘third act’ - something to look forward to and celebrate.
Even if some symptoms and changes are not easy to adjust to or live with, it’s good to remember that menopause is temporary, and there are many things you can do to support yourself, friends, family or workmates.
Who does it affect?
Every woman/wahine and some non-binary people will go through menopause. Some trans men experience menopausal symptoms too.
Everyone experiences menopause differently, just as everyone experiences menstruation, puberty or pregnancy differently.
Symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe. Some people have no symptoms at all.
Approximately 20% of women experience severe symptoms, 60% experience moderate symptoms and 20% do not have symptoms.
The average age that most women/wāhine in NZ no longer get periods is 52 years.
Reaching menopause before the age of 40 is called ‘premature ovarian insufficiency’ (POI). Reaching menopause between 40-45 is called ‘early menopause’. ‘Surgical menopause’ is when both ovaries are surgically removed before a woman goes through menopause naturally. ‘Induced menopause’ is when the ovaries are damaged either by disease or medical treatments before a woman goes through menopause naturally.
363,000 women/wāhine in New Zealand were 45-55 years (based on the 2023 census - Stats NZ).
What are the stages of menopause?
Peri-menopause - the years leading up to menopause when symptoms are common and can last 2 to 10 years or five years on average.
Menopause occurs for most people when they haven’t had a period for at least 12 months in a row.
Post-menopause - the years after menopause when symptoms start to settle but can continue.
How do hormones impact women during menopause?
Menopause is brought about by the hormonal changes that occur with natural ageing, or because of surgery that removes someone’s ovaries.
Levels of oestrogen and other hormones can vary in the time leading up to someone’s final period.
At menopause, the ovaries stop producing oestrogen. Oestrogen has over 400 biological actions including the regulation of sleep, mood and appetite.
A lack of oestrogen can cause 34+ symptoms including hot flushes, night sweats, palpitations, irregular and/or heavy periods, anxiety, low mood/depression, decreased libido, brain fog, dry eyes, mood swings, nausea, disturbed sleep/insomnia, vaginal dryness and discomfort, aching joints and fatigue. Many women and people experience other symptoms too.
Many people and some doctors are not aware of the latest research, life style changes and ways to support people through this stage of life. You can view a list of Australasian Menopause Society (AMS) doctors in New Zealand for advice from a menopause specialist.
Sources:
When I started looking for credible, useful and consistent facts about perimenopause and menopause, I couldn’t find everything I wanted to know in one place. I have gathered many of the facts above from the following sources: