Menopause | Pfizer Australia

Menopause

Menopause is a natural phase of life that affects every woman differently. This page aims to demystify menopause and its effects, and provide strategies to manage its symptoms effectively.

What is menopause?

Menopause marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. It is when the ovaries stop releasing eggs and menstrual periods stop. It's a natural biological process, not a medical illness, but it can bring about various physical and emotional changes.

menopause: when you haven’t had a period for 12 months
perimenopause: the time leading up to menopause
postmenopause: the time after your final period

Why do women go through menopause?

Menopause is a natural consequence of aging and the gradual decline of reproductive hormones (oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone). As you age, your body produces less of these hormones, leading to the end of the menstrual cycle.

When does menopause happen?

For most Australian women, menopause happens between the ages of 45 and 60, with the average age being around 51.¹
It can happen before the age of 45 – this is called premature or early menopause. The reason for this might be because of previous surgery or cancer treatment which can induce menopause, but for other people, the cause is not often known and could be due to:

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)
Chromosomal differences such as Turner Syndrome
Autoimmune diseases like thyroid disease or diabetes
Infections, for example tuberculosis or mumps

What symptoms will I get?

It’s different for everyone – symptoms can range from minor to severe symptoms. You might experience menopausal symptoms for 5 to 10 years.

These might include:

Common symptoms

irregular periods
hot flushes and night sweats
sleep problems
exhaustion and fatigue

Other physical symptoms

sore breasts
itchy, crawly or dry skin
headaches or migraines
aches and pains
bloating
dry vagina
loss of libido (sex drive)
urinary (wee) problems

Mental and emotional symptoms

feeling you can't cope as well as you used to
difficulty concentrating
forgetfulness
feeling irritable or frustrated
feeling anxious
low mood or mood swings

Bone health after menopause

The changes in hormone levels during and after menopause means that women tend to lose bone mass. This can increase your risk of developing osteoporosis, especially if you have premature or early menopause.

Take care of your bone health by:

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
Getting your recommended intake of calcium and vitamin D
Doing weight-bearing exercise
Having regular bone checks

Speak to your doctor

While menopause is a natural phase of life, you should speak with your doctor if:

Your menopause symptoms are interfering with your daily life
You experience vaginal bleeding after not having your period for a year
You are worried about irregular or heavy periods

Your doctor may suggest health checks such as:

Mammogram (breast imaging)
Pelvic examination
Cervical screening
Blood tests if they suspect you have early or premature menopause, or have had a hysterectomy

Managing menopause symptoms

Menopause symptoms can be managed with a combination of lifestyle changes, medical treatments, and self-care practices. Speak to your doctor about what’s best for you.

Lifestyle

Diet: A balanced diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and phytoestrogens (found in plants like soy and flaxseeds) may help with energy levels, weight management, bone health and some menopausal symptoms.
Exercise: Regular physical activity, including strength training, helps maintain a healthy weight, improve mood, and support bone health.
Sleep: Some people experience difficulty sleeping during menopause. Establishing a regular sleep routine, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and minimising caffeine and alcohol intake can improve sleep quality.

Self-care practices

Mindfulness and relaxation: Practices like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises may help to manage stress and emotional wellbeing.
Regular health check-ups: Regular visits to a healthcare provider can help monitor bone health, cholesterol levels, and overall wellbeing.

Medical treatments

Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT): MHT is a treatment that involves taking hormones to boost the levels of those that have decreased.
Non-hormonal medications: These may be prescribed based on individual needs instead of MHT.
Natural therapies: Some complementary and alternative medicines have scientific data supporting their use, while others do not. Speak to a healthcare professional if you are using any natural therapies (as these may interact with other medication).

Visiting the doctor

Just because menopause is natural and happens to all women, it doesn’t mean you have to put up with symptoms.
Remember that if something is impacting your life, you should explain this to your doctor and ask for support.

Don’t suffer in silence – speak up!

Talk to your doctor if menopause symptoms are bothering you

References:

HealthDirect. Menopause. Available at: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/menopause. Accessed July 2025.

This site is intended only for Australian residents. The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare professional.