Menopause is a natural life transition that happens when your periods stop and your body adjusts to changing hormone levels. Although everyone's experience is different, it's a completely normal part of ageing.
Whether you're just starting to notice your first symptoms or you're well into your journey and seeking menopause support, we're here to help you navigate this new life chapter.
What is menopause?
Menopause happens when your menstrual cycles end naturally and your ovaries produce lower levels of hormones, such as oestrogen and progesterone.
In the UK, menopause most commonly happens between the ages of 45 and 551, although it can happen earlier or later.
You're considered to have officially reached menopause when you've gone 12 consecutive months without a period.
The 3 stages of menopause
Before you actually reach menopause, most women* go through a transitional stage known as perimenopause. This stage can last anything from several months to several years.2 During this time, your hormone levels start to fluctuate and you might notice other physical and emotional symptoms.
Menopause itself is the specific, defining moment when you hit the 12th consecutive month without a period, as your ovaries are no longer releasing eggs.
As soon as you hit the menopause marker, you'll then enter what's called 'postmenopause,' and you'll stay in this phase for the rest of your life. Don't worry, it isn't as scary as it sounds. Most women say their symptoms ease up or disappear completely once they reach postmenopause.2.1
Common symptoms
Up to 90% of women will experience some form of menopause symptoms during their transition3. These can vary from person to person, but some of the most commonly reported ones are:
- Hot flushes
- Night sweats
- Trouble sleeping
- Mood changes
- Brain fog
- Headaches and migraines
- Joint aches and pains
- Weight changes
- Vaginal dryness
- Reduced libido
Here at Well, our pharmacists can offer confidential advice and support when you need it, and we have a range of products to help you navigate your menopause journey.
Products to help you through the different stages of menopause
Menopause treatment and support
Like most medical scenarios, there's no 'one-size-fits-all' approach to menopause. The right treatment and support will depend on your specific symptoms, medical history and personal preferences. You can pop into your local Well Pharmacy for menopause advice that's tailored to you.
A lot of people find that a trusty combination of lifestyle changes, practical self-care measures and suitable medical treatments can help improve their quality of life during menopause.
Support options might include:
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
- Non-hormonal treatments
- Regular physical activity
- Healthy eating
- Improving sleep habits
- Stress management techniques
- Community and healthcare support
Thinking about HRT?
Learn more about the different types of HRT, the benefits and risks, how to access treatments, and alternative options to consider.
When should you seek medical advice for menopause?
While menopause is a natural stage of life, it's important to speak to a healthcare professional if:
- Symptoms start to affect your daily life
- You’re experiencing severe mental health struggles
- You have questions or concerns about treatment options
- Your periods become unusually heavy
- You experience postmenopausal bleeding
- You’re unsure whether symptoms could be related to menopause or something else
FAQs
In the UK, most women reach menopause between the ages of 45 and 55, although symptoms can start several years earlier during perimenopause.
Weight changes are common during menopause due to a combination of hormonal changes, ageing and lifestyle factors.
Pharmacists can offer advice about symptoms, answer questions, provide over-the-counter products, and guide you towards further medical support where needed.
Menopause can affect everyone differently. While some will experience mild symptoms, others might have more severe symptoms that last several years. Oestrogen helps keep your bones strong, so the lack of this during menopause can put you at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis (weaker bones that are prone to breaking). Lack of oestrogen can also cause vaginal atrophy, where tissues in the vagina become thinner and more prone to damage. This can cause problems like frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs), and painful sex.
Those assigned male at birth do experience hormonal changes over the course of their lives, as testosterone production tends to drop when men reach their 30s or 40s. However, this happens at a steady rate (around 1% a year)4 and isn't the same as menopause in women, which happens more suddenly.
1. What are menopause and perimenopause?, NHS UK. Last reviewed May 2026.
2. Menopause: What It Is, Age, Stages, Signs & Side Effects, Cleveland Clinic. Last reviewed June 2024.
3. What is the menopause?, British Menopause Society. Last reviewed January 2026.
4. The 'male menopause,' NHS UK. Last reviewed October 2022.
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