Gary Neville admits his EPIC blunder when wife Emma went through early menopause

Menopause is a transitional period that all women experience midway through their lives.

In fact, hormones related to the reproductive system reduce estrogen over time.

This not only causes menstruation to stop. Sex hormones work throughout the body, from the brain, skin, vagina and more.

Therefore, dozens of symptoms affect all parts of the body, to varying degrees.

Women’s experiences with menopause vary enormously. While some breeze through it, the lives of others are significantly affected. It may feel like it takes a few years, or decades.

It is impossible to predict how each woman will fare.

When is menopause?

Perimenopause is when symptoms begin but periods have not stopped, although they will be irregular. This could start in the early 1940s.

Menopause is when menstruation has stopped completely for a year. The average age at which this happens is 51, but according to the NHS it can be between 45 and 55.

The term ‘menopause’ is used to describe the overall experience.

Menopause before the age of 45 is called early menopause and affects five percent of women. Menopause before the age of 40 is called premature menopause and affects one percent of women before the age of 40 and 0.1 percent of women under the age of 30.

This can happen for no apparent reason, but also as a result of surgery, genetics or medications.

A year later, the last menstrual period, a woman is considered to be postmenopausal.

How does this affect a woman’s life?

Menopause can be a time of extreme testing in a woman’s life and for those around her.

The body is undergoing significant change and the symptoms associated with it can feel strange, with women sometimes describing a loss of sense of self.

Physical symptoms include hot flashes (a sudden feeling of heat in the face, neck, and chest), trouble sleeping, night sweats, palpitations, headaches, muscle and joint pain, achy skin, skin changes, decreased libido, vaginal dryness, and more.

Symptoms that affect mental health or cognition include brain fog, memory loss, low mood, anxiety, low self-esteem and irritability.

There are ways to manage symptoms and cope with menopause – and women need to know that they are not the only ones dealing with this.

Medication, such as HRT or estrogen gel, can help control the symptoms.

However, experts often say that a comprehensive approach is needed that includes good lifestyle habits, such as a balanced diet and less alcohol.

Many women report that their lives began after menopause, after it led them to a healthier way of life.

However, it is important that society recognizes the enormous burden this can bring – on work, family life and more – as, for example, changing workplace policies can make it easier for women to keep their jobs.

Read more about menopause in The Sun’s Fabulous Menopause Matters campaign.