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Menopause
What is it?
In Australia, the average age of menopause (the last period) is 52. It can happen in women aged 40-60 and in very few cases, it can happen earlier. It's most common in women aged 45-55.
During this time, the ovaries start to make less oestrogen and periods usually become erratic before stopping. Women often have other symptoms such as hot flushes, sore joints, low libido and vaginal dryness. For more information on these symptoms, see our sex and ageing webpage.
What should I do?
You should take care of your health by maintaining a healthy diet and high calcium intake, exercising and having regular health checks, including mammograms and Pap tests.
You also need to consider contraception, because you're not considered infertile until:
- a year after your last period, if you're aged over 50 when you have your last period
- two years after your last period, if you're aged under 50 when you have your last period.
Many women go through menopause without medical treatment or natural supplements, but if you think you might need help, information is available from the Jean Hailes Foundation.