# What is menopause and what are its common symptoms? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-is-menopause-and-what-are-its-common-symptoms Language: en Category: womens_health Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T08:09:52.375Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T08:09:52.375Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/what-is-menopause-and-what-are-its-common-symptoms Menopause is a natural stage in a woman's life when menstruation stops permanently and fertility is lost. Menopause is diagnosed when a woman has gone twelve consecutive months without a menstrual period [\[1\]](). This stage typically begins between the ages of 45 and 55, though it may start earlier for some women [\[1\]](). The period leading up to menopause is known as the perimenopause or the menopausal transition, which can last for several years [\[1\]](). During this period, the ovaries begin to produce smaller amounts of the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which leads to the appearance of a range of symptoms [\[1\]](). ## Common Symptoms of Menopause Symptoms of menopause vary from woman to woman, and some women may experience no symptoms other than the cessation of menstruation [\[2\]](). However, common symptoms include the following: - **Changes in the menstrual cycle:** Periods may become irregular, shorter or longer, or lighter or heavier [\[1\]](). - **Hot flashes and night sweats:** This is a sudden feeling of warmth in the face, neck, and chest, which may be accompanied by sweating. If these flashes occur at night, they are known as night sweats [\[1\]](). - **Sleep disturbances:** Women may experience difficulty falling asleep or returning to sleep after waking, which can lead to fatigue and memory problems over time [\[1\]](). - **Vaginal dryness:** Vaginal dryness can cause pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse [\[1\]](). - **Mood changes:** A woman may feel mood swings, anxiety, or increased irritability [\[1\]](). - **Bladder problems:** Such as urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control) and urinary tract infections [\[1\]](). ## The Impact of Menopause on Bone Health Bone density loss is one of the significant physical changes that occur during menopause due to a lack of estrogen [\[1\]](). This can lead to a condition called osteoporosis, where bones become weak, brittle, and more prone to fractures [\[1\]](). It is important to discuss prevention and treatment methods with a healthcare provider to maintain bone health during this stage. ## When Should You See a Doctor? If menopause symptoms are affecting your daily activities or getting worse, it is important to talk to a healthcare provider [\[2\]](). A doctor can discuss available treatment options, including lifestyle modifications, non-hormonal treatments, and hormone replacement therapy [\[1\]](). It is also important to consult a doctor if any postmenopausal vaginal bleeding occurs, as this could be a sign of a medical issue that requires immediate attention [\[2\]](). For more information about hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and bone health during menopause, you can visit [Menopause Symptoms: Hot Flashes, Sleep Disturbances, and Bone Health (Arabic)](). ## Medical references - [Menopause]() - [Menopause]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-is-menopause-and-what-are-its-common-symptoms#answer