Menopause Resource Center

Menopause is the transition a woman undergoes when her hormone levels decrease, she stops having a menstrual cycle permanently, and she can no longer get pregnant. Part of the natural aging process, its symptoms typically begin between ages 45 and 55, and most women reach menopause by 52. Wide-ranging symptoms can include hallmarks like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and moodiness. Other symptoms can be easy to overlook or misinterpret, such as joint pain, trouble sleeping, brain fog, and fatigue, making this a perplexing, uncomfortable life phase for many. Ultimately, menopause is an individual process that affects each woman differently, but there are resources and treatments available to help.

What Is Menopause and the Menopausal Transition? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

What Is Menopause and the Menopausal Transition? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and TreatmentMedically Reviewed by Kara Smythe, MD | April 9, 2026

FAQ

What are the three stages of menopause?

Perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause are the three menopausal stages. Perimenopause is the transitional phase when hormone levels decrease and symptoms often appear. Menopause occurs after 12 consecutive months of no menstrual cycle, followed by postmenopause for the remainder of life.

At what age does menopause start?

Perimenopause usually begins between ages 45 and 55. On average, this phase takes four years, though it can last from 2 to 10 years. Menopause — or the 12th month of not having a period — occurs at an average age of 52.

How do you confirm menopause?

If you’re tracking your menstrual cycle, you’ll know you’ve experienced menopause if you haven’t had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. Your physician can also perform a blood test that measures hormone levels indicating menopause.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

Menopause can cause a wide range of symptoms, though the exact problems and their severity can differ between women. Common symptoms include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, incontinence, decreased sexual interest, irregular periods, difficulty sleeping, brain fog, depression, and anxiety.

How do you treat menopause symptoms?

Medications are available to treat menopause symptoms, including hormone therapy, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications. Treatments also include over-the-counter products, such as vaginal lubricants. Lifestyle changes — increasing exercise or practicing stress reduction, for instance — can help ease many of the symptoms.

News

Estrogen Patches Are in Short Supply — Is There a Workaround?

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Estrogen Patches Are in Short Supply — Is There a Workaround?Fact-Checked on February 26, 2026

FDA Approves First Pill to Boost Sex Drive in Women After Menopause

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FDA Approves First Pill to Boost Sex Drive in Women After MenopauseFact-Checked on December 19, 2025

Can You Relieve Menopause Symptoms Without Medication?

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Can You Relieve Menopause Symptoms Without Medication?Fact-Checked on November 17, 2025

FDA Removes Strictest Black Box Warning From Menopause Hormone Therapy

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FDA Removes Strictest Black Box Warning From Menopause Hormone TherapyFact-Checked on November 11, 2025

Can Starting Hormone Therapy During Perimenopause Lower Breast Cancer and Heart Attack Risk?

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Can Starting Hormone Therapy During Perimenopause Lower Breast Cancer and Heart Attack Risk?Fact-Checked on October 31, 2025

Everyday Health’s team of board-certified physicians and health professionals contribute to the creation and review of content, ensuring that the information is useful, up to date, and accurate.

Allison Buttarazzi, MD

Medical Reviewer

Castle Connolly Top Doctor, Member of American College of Lifestyle Medicine

Allison Buttarazzi, MD, is board-certified in internal medicine and lifestyle medicine, and is a certified health and well-being coach. In her primary care practice, Dr. Buttarazzi...

Menopause

FAQ

What’s the most challenging menopause symptom for you?

Allison Buttarazzi, MD

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Anurag Sahu, MD

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Jennifer Logan, MD, MPH

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Justin Laube, MD

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Stephanie Young Moss, PharmD

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Elizabeth V. Simpson, DMD

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Juliana (Jewel) Kling, MD, MPH

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Maya Feller, MS, RD, CDN

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Ross Radusky, MD

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Reyna Franco, RDN

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Sanober Pezad Doctor, MD

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Adam Gilden, MD, MSCE

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Kara Smythe, MD

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Angela D. Harper, MD

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Michelle Seguin, MD

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Mary Anne Bera, MSN, RN

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Kayli Anderson, RDN

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Parveen Garg, MD MPH

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