What are the symptoms of menopause?

The symptoms of menopause can vary widely and include:

• Irregular periods – periods that are lighter, heavier, shorter, or longer than usual, or periods that come closer together or farther apart.
• Hot flushes – a sudden feeling of warmth or heat that spreads throughout the body, often accompanied by sweating and flushing.
• Night sweats – hot flushes that occur during sleep, leading to sweatiness and waking up feeling overheated.
• Vaginal dryness – a decrease in oestrogen levels can cause vaginal tissues to become thin, dry, and less elastic, leading to discomfort, itching, and pain during sex.
• Mood changes – hormonal changes during menopause can lead to mood swings, irritability, depression, and anxiety.
• Sleep problems – difficulty sleeping or staying asleep, often due to night sweats or hot flushes.
• Fatigue – feeling tired or lacking energy, often due to disrupted sleep.
• Changes in libido – a decrease in oestrogen levels can lead to a decrease in sexual desire or changes in sexual function.