Menopause: what to expect and where to find help

Menopause is a natural part of life, but knowing what to expect isn’t always easy. You might have questions about changes to your body, your mood or how you’re feeling.

World Menopause Day on 18th October is a chance to talk more openly about menopause and share advice that can help.

Everyone’s experience is different. Some people have few symptoms, while others find that menopause affects their sleep, work and daily life.

We want to help you understand what’s happening, explore what might help and find support when you need it.

What is menopause?

Menopause is a natural part of life. It usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55.

The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause. Your hormone levels change during this time. Your periods may become less regular, and symptoms can start.

Menopause is reached when you have gone 12 months without a period, if there is no other cause.

What are the signs?

Menopause can cause many different symptoms. You may have some, all or very few of these.

• Hot flushes and night sweats that leave you feeling hot and sweaty.
• Poor sleep or waking often during the night.
• Mood changes, such as feeling anxious, low or irritable.
• Brain fog, making it harder to focus or remember things.
• Aches and pains, including sore joints and muscles. Chronic pain is the theme of World Menopause Day 2026.
• Weight changes, including weight gain and changes in where your body stores fat.
• Changes to your periods, which may become heavier, lighter or less regular.
• Intimate symptoms, such as vaginal dryness, discomfort during sex or urinary problems.

Symptoms can start before your periods stop. They may carry on for some time after menopause, too.

Not every symptom is caused by menopause. If something is new or worrying you, speak to your GP.

Find out more about menopause symptoms on the NHS website.

What can help?

You don’t have to put up with symptoms that affect your daily life. There are ways to help you feel better.

Small changes can help

You could try to:

• Keep your bedroom cool at night.
• Exercise often and eat a balanced diet.
• Keep to a regular sleep routine.
• Notice if caffeine or alcohol makes your symptoms worse.
• Talk to friends or family about how you feel.

These steps may help, but they won’t work for everyone. There is other support available, too.

Find out about treatments

HRT stands for hormone replacement therapy. It replaces hormones that fall during menopause and can help with symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats.

Treatments include tablets, patches and gels, as well as products for vaginal dryness and other symptoms.

HRT isn’t right for everyone, so a GP can help you weigh up the benefits and risks.

There are other options, too. Some people find menopause-specific talking therapy helps with sleep, mood or hot flushes.

You can find out more about menopause treatments on the NHS website.

Menopause support in Gosforth and Jesmond

In April 2026, patients from all six practices in our area were invited to an online menopause event, organised by Gosforth and Jesmond Health, our Primary Care Network.

More than 130 people joined us to learn from expert speakers, ask questions and explore ways to manage menopause symptoms.

If you missed it, you can see the presentation from the day, with useful information about symptoms, HRT, lifestyle changes and further support.

Attendees came away feeling more confident about managing their symptoms. The number who rated their confidence at 7 or higher rose from around 1 in 4 before the event to nearly 3 in 5 afterwards.

Attendees rated the session 8.6 out of 10 on average, a positive result for our first virtual event.

The advice shared during the session was broad, general and accurate at the time of writing. Menopause affects everyone differently, so it’s always worth speaking to your GP about your own symptoms and treatment options.

Where can you find more help?

These trusted websites offer clear information about menopause.

• NHS menopause guide. Learn about symptoms, treatment and what may help.
• British Menopause Society. Find out more about HRT and other treatment options.
• The Menopause Charity. Get help to understand menopause and manage your symptoms.

You can also speak with a GP if symptoms are affecting your daily life or you want to talk about treatment.

You don’t have to manage menopause alone

Menopause can be different for everyone. Knowing what to expect and where to find help can make a real difference.

If symptoms are affecting your daily life, you don’t have to face them alone. Talk to your GP about what might help.