Menopause symptoms

The most common symptoms of perimenopause and menopause are hot flushes and night sweats, poor sleep, changes to your periods, anxiety or low mood, brain fog, joint and muscle aches, and vaginal dryness or bladder changes. Not everyone gets all of them, and they can start several years before your periods stop, often in your mid-40s.

Menopause itself is your last period, confirmed once you’ve gone 12 months without one; the average age in New Zealand is about 51. If symptoms are affecting your sleep, work or relationships, talk to your GP or book a consultation. Any bleeding after your periods have stopped for 12 months should always be checked by your GP.

More common questions, such as whether you need a blood test, are answered on Your menopause questions, answered.

The most common symptoms of menopause can vary in intensity and frequency from woman to woman.

It's important to note that the menopausal experience is highly individual. While some women may experience multiple symptoms with significant intensity, others may have only a few mild symptoms. The variability in symptom presentation underscores the importance of personalised care and management strategies during this phase of life.

Sanitary pad decorated with pink and red flowers on a pink background.

Menstrual irregularities: Periods may become unpredictable, heavier, or lighter than usual.

Woman lying in bed, holding pillow over her head, appearing distressed or tired.

Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep or maintaining sleep throughout the night.

An elderly woman with white hair holding her head with both hands, appearing to be in pain or distress

Neurological symptoms: Headaches and difficulty concentrating or remembering details.

An older woman with blonde hair sitting indoors near a window, touching her face and looking contemplative.

Skin and mucous membrane changes: Dryness affecting the skin, eyes, and mouth.

A woman sitting up in bed appears upset, while a man lies in bed in the background, seemingly sleeping or resting.

Changes in libido: Fluctuations in sexual desire.

A hand holding the wrist, with redness indicating pain or injury

Musculoskeletal issues: Joint and muscle aches or pains.

Close-up of a woman adjusting her beige bra with her left hand, showing her shoulders and part of her face and chest.

Breast changes: Tenderness or increased sensitivity

Person brushing long, dark hair with a wooden hairbrush

Hair changes: Thinning or loss of hair on the scalp, face, or body.

Vasomotor symptoms: Hot flashes (sudden feelings of warmth) and night sweats, which can disrupt sleep patterns.

Older woman lying in bed, covering her forehead with her hand, looking distressed or worried.

Mood fluctuations: Increased irritability, anxiety, or depressive episodes, often accompanied by worsening premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Two fingers holding small white rectangular objects with face drawings, one with a sad face, the other with a happy face, against a red background.

Genitourinary symptoms: Vaginal dryness leading to discomfort during intercourse, and increased urinary urgency.

Person dressed in white clothing holding their lower abdomen.

Metabolic changes: Tendency towards weight gain, particularly around the midsection.

Close-up of a person pinching their waist, showing loose-fitting jeans and a white top.
A hand holding a model of a human heart with detailed anatomical features.

Cardiovascular symptoms: Palpitations or a sensation of a racing heart.

Watch: menopause symptoms, explained

I talk through the common symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, from hot flushes and waking at 3 am to brain fog, joint aches and bladder changes, and what can help.