Menopause is a natural transition that occurs when women or those assigned female at birth (AFAB) reach a certain age. The word 'menopause' originates from the word 'meno', which relates to the menstrual cycle, and 'pause', which means 'stop'. During this time, the ovaries stop releasing eggs and periods no longer occur. A woman/AFAB is menopausal when they have not had a period for at least 12 months in a row or have had surgery to remove their ovaries.

When Does Menopause Usually Happen?
The ovaries usually stop releasing eggs around the age of 45-50, but for some women it can happen sooner. This is referred to as early or premature menopause and affects approximately 5% of the population. There are many different reasons for premature menopause, but if you think that you may be experiencing signs of it or if your periods have stopped before 45, please consult with your GP for further advice.

What is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause when the body starts releasing fewer eggs and before periods stop completely. This is a phase that can continue for up to ten years. As a woman's body begins its transition to the menopause, hormone levels will start to fluctuate and periods may start to become irregular, leading to changes occurring throughout the body. This can be a very challenging time, and the signs and symptoms of menopause can often be mistaken for other medical conditions and misdiagnosed.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms?
There are over 35 recognised symptoms of menopause, and because the main hormones that are involved in menstruation (oestrogen and progesterone) are also vital for many bodily functions, the whole body is affected by this transition. Listed here are some of the most common symptoms, but for a more detailed overview, please take a look at the resources provided below to learn more:

• Hot & cold flushes
• Weight gain (espe cially a round the middle of the body)
• Heart palpitations & night sweats
• Skin changes - dry, tingling, itchy, thinning
• Joint aches & pains
• Trouble passing urine - urgency, incontinence
• Insomnia
• Dizziness & ringing in ears
• Dry eyes & mouth
• Change to bowel movements
• Period changes - heavier, lighter, irregular
• Vaginal changes - dryness, irritation, painful sex
• Brain fog and headaches

Where Can I Go for Help?
• NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause
• Newson Health: https://www.newsonhealth.co.uk
• The Menopause Charity: https://www.themenopausecharity.org
• Your GP Surgery

How Can I Support a Family or Team Member?
Hormonal changes associated with the menopause can have a significant impact on a person's psychological wellbeing. The fluctuations in hormone levels can cause mood swings, anxiety, depression, or feelings of isolation and grief. Physical changes can be uncomfortable, embarrassing, and frustrating, and women often feel out of control of what is happening in their body.

As a partner, parent, child, or colleague, the best thing you can do to help is to provide reassurance and support to the person going through menopause and give them the safe space they need to share their experiences. You can direct them to the resources above and encourage them to speak with their GP about their symptoms, so that they can be supported in the best way possible .For some, that means exploring Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) options or other trea tments to ma ke the transition as smooth as possible whilst maintaining their health.

Author: Rachel Alexander - Holistic Health Coach at Mind.Body.Wisdom