Menopause: what happens and what can help
Key points
- The Office on Women's Health (US) says you reach menopause when your periods have stopped for 12 months in a row.
- The Office on Women's Health (US) says that some symptoms improve with time, while others stay the same or get worse.
- After menopause, bones lose density and the risk of heart disease rises, according to the sources.
- MedlinePlus (US) says that avoiding alcohol, spicy foods and caffeine may ease symptoms.
- The Office on Women's Health (US) says bleeding after menopause is not normal and needs a prompt visit to a provider.
What menopause is
The Office on Women's Health (US) says you have reached menopause once a full year has passed with no period. It gives 52 as the average age of menopause in the United States. MedlinePlus (US) adds that after menopause you can no longer get pregnant. [1] [2]
WHO (international) describes menopause as one point along a series of life stages for women. It says menopause marks the end of a woman's reproductive years, meaning the years when she can have children. [3]
Symptoms in the years after
The Office on Women's Health (US) says that symptoms change over time. Some improve, while others stay the same or get worse. It says hot flashes and night sweats go on for 7 to 12 years on average, and for even longer in some women. [1]
MedlinePlus (US) lists common symptoms. A hot flash is a sudden warm feeling in the face, neck and chest. Vaginal dryness may cause pain or discomfort during sex. Mood changes can leave you feeling moody, anxious or more irritable. [2]
Health after menopause
The Office on Women's Health (US) says bone density keeps falling after menopause. Bone density is a measure of how strong and solid your bones are. A lower density raises the risk of osteoporosis, a disease in which bones grow weak, and of broken bones. [1]
MedlinePlus (US) says the loss of estrogen, a hormone your body makes, can raise cholesterol levels. It says this can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. WHO (international) says women's lower risk of heart disease, compared with men, gradually disappears. WHO also says menopause can weaken the muscles and tissues that support the pelvic organs. [2] [3]
What can help
MedlinePlus (US) says that alcohol, spicy foods and caffeine can make menopause symptoms worse, so it advises avoiding them. It also advises keeping your bedroom dark, quiet and cool. [2]
WHO (international) says menopause can be a chance to take a fresh look at your health, lifestyle and goals. [3]
When to see a doctor
The Office on Women's Health (US) says vaginal bleeding after menopause is not normal. It advises seeing your health care provider right away if this happens. [1]
MedlinePlus (US) says that when changes to your daily habits do not ease your symptoms enough, you may want to get in touch with your health care provider. [2]
WHO (international) says that any symptoms affecting your health and well-being are worth talking over with a provider. [3]
Sources
- Office on Women's Health (US): Menopause basics (opens in a new tab). Last updated October 19, 2026.
- MedlinePlus (US): Menopause (opens in a new tab). Last updated August 3, 2026.
- WHO (international): Menopause (opens in a new tab). Last updated October 16, 2024.
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