Menopause is a natural part of life, yet for many women it still feels like an unpredictable shift, one that affects far more than just temperature control. While hot flashes and night sweats are among the most talked-about symptoms, the hormonal changes that occur during this time can also influence sleep, mood, weight, and even long-term health.
Understanding these shifts is key to managing them effectively. In this guide, we’ll explore what menopause means, the symptoms to expect, and how hormone testing can help women regain balance and take back control of their wellbeing after 50.
What does menopause mean for women
Menopause marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycles, diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a period. It’s a natural biological process that typically occurs between ages 45 and 55, with the average age of onset around 51 years globally and similar trends observed across the UAE according to findings from the UAE Menopause Summit [1].
The transition doesn’t happen overnight; it occurs in three stages:
- Perimenopause: The years leading up to menopause, when hormone levels start fluctuating.
- Menopause: The point when periods have permanently stopped for 12 months consecutively. completely.
- Post-menopause: The years after menopause, when symptoms may ease but health risks such as osteoporosis (brittle bones) can increase.
At the core of these changes are two key hormones:
- Oestrogen: which supports reproductive health, bone strength, and heart protection.
- Progesterone: which regulates menstrual cycles and supports mood stability.
As these hormones decline, women experience a range of physical and emotional changes that can vary in intensity and duration between women [2].
It is important to know how symptoms differ through the different stages.
5 Common Menopause Symptoms
While every woman’s experience is unique, there are several symptoms that are commonly reported during the transition:
1. Hot flashes and night sweats
Sudden warmth, flushing, and sweating, especially at night, are caused by fluctuating oestrogen levels affecting the body’s temperature regulation [2].
2. Sleep disturbances and fatigue
Hormonal shifts and night sweats can disrupt sleep, leading to persistent tiredness and reduced focus during the day.
3. Weight gain and slowed metabolism
A decline in oestrogen can influence how the body stores fat and uses energy, making it easier to gain weight around the abdomen and harder to lose it [3].
4. Mood swings, irritability, and brain fog
Changes in hormones like oestrogen and progesterone can impact neurotransmitters that regulate mood and cognition, leading to feelings of anxiety, forgetfulness, or irritability [4].
5. Bone health concerns (osteoporosis risk)
Lower oestrogen levels can cause bone density to drop, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures over time [3].
These symptoms are not just physical;, they can affect confidence, relationships, and overall quality of life.
Menopause and hormone imbalance
During and after menopause, hormone fluctuations can affect nearly every system in the body.
- Low oestrogen is linked to reduced bone density, vaginal dryness, and a higher risk of heart disease [3].
- Falling progesterone levels can cause irregular bleeding, mood swings, and disrupted sleep during perimenopause.
- Testosterone, though present in smaller amounts, plays a role in maintaining muscle mass, libido, and energy levels post-menopause [4].
- Cortisol, the stress hormone, can rise during this time, worsening fatigue and weight gain if not managed properly [2].
When these hormones fall out of balance, the effects can ripple across a woman’s physical, emotional, and metabolic health, making testing and monitoring an essential step toward restoring equilibrium.
Comprehensive hormone testing provides a clearer picture of what’s happening inside the body.
By analysing key markers like oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid hormones, and cortisol, healthcare professionals can identify imbalances contributing to specific symptoms [2]. This data allows for a more personalised approach to care, whether that means exploring hormone replacement therapy, nutritional support, or lifestyle adjustments.
Understanding how these hormones interact is vital not only during menopause but throughout a woman’s life. As explained in our blog on understanding female hormones and how testing helps to inform you how to balance your health, regular testing offers valuable insights into hormonal health, supporting early detection of imbalance and better long-term wellbeing.
At Smart Salem, women can access DHA-accredited testing with same-day results, helping them take a proactive approach to managing menopause symptoms and long-term health.
When to seek medical advice
It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional if:
- Symptoms become severe or persistent.
- You experience irregular bleeding after menopause.
- You have symptoms that impact mental health, sleep or daily activities.
While menopause itself isn’t a medical condition, guidance from a doctor ensures that symptoms are properly managed and that other underlying issues are ruled out [2].
Lifestyle tips for navigating menopause
Simple lifestyle habits can make a big difference in managing peri-menopausal symptoms:
- Eat a balanced diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, lean proteins, and phytoestrogens (found in foods like soy and flaxseed) to support bone and heart health [3].
- Exercise regularly, combining strength training and cardio to maintain bone density, manage weight, and improve mood [4].
- Manage stress through yoga, mindfulness, or breathing exercises to reduce cortisol hormone levels [2].
- Prioritise sleep hygiene by maintaining a consistent bedtime routine and keeping the bedroom cool and comfortable [3].
These small adjustments can enhance energy, mood, and overall wellbeing throughout menopause and beyond.
Smart Salem’s role in supporting women after 50
Smart Salem offers comprehensive women’s health screenings designed to support wellbeing during and after menopause.
With DHA-accredited testing, state-of-the-art technology, and personalised care, Smart Salem empowers women to take control of their health with:
- Full hormone panel testing.
- Tailored advice for symptom management and preventive care.
- Comfortable, efficient clinics built around women’s wellness needs.
Smart Salem’s Comprehensive Women’s Health Screening service also includes hormone and metabolic testing options to support women’s long-term health beyond menopause.
Taking control of menopause health
Menopause marks a new chapter, not an end. By understanding the changes that occur, embracing hormone testing, and adopting supportive lifestyle habits, women can move through this stage with confidence and control.
At Smart Salem, expert medical teams are committed to helping women navigate peri-menopause and menopause with clarity, compassion, and convenience, so they can focus on feeling their best every day.
FAQs
What does menopause mean?
Menopause is the natural end of menstruation, diagnosed after 12 months without a period. It signals the end of reproductive years and typically occurs between ages 45 and 55.
What are the most common menopause symptoms?
Hot flashes, sleep problems, mood changes, weight gain, and bone density loss are among the most common symptoms.
Can menopause cause hormone imbalance?
Yes, declining oestrogen and progesterone levels create hormonal fluctuations that can affect mood, metabolism, and long-term health.
Should women get hormone testing after 50?
Yes. If women suspect they are experiencing menopause then hHormone testing helps identify imbalances and supports personalised care plans for managing menopause symptoms effectively.
Can menopause affect long-term health?
Yes. Low oestrogen can increase the risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, and cognitive decline, making preventive care and testing essential.
Sources:
- https://menopausesummituae.com/
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/menopause
- https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/menopause/what-menopause
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2021.564781/full
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2024.1350318/full
