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Between the ages of 48 and 55 years most women experience changes to their body that can be associated with menopause, which is literally the very last menstrual period in a woman's life.
Menopause may be part of a number of adjustments that women experience at midlife. At the same time a woman is beginning to experience signs and symptoms of menopause, she is usually approaching her fifties. Managing menopause can take place amidst changing family roles, looking after aging parents, thinking about retirement and wondering what she will do with the rest of her life.
For some women however, menopause may occur at an earlier age. Early menopause (also known as premature menopause) affects almost 10 per cent of women under the age of forty - with some being diagnosed in their twenties, or even their late teens. Surgical menopause is when the ovaries are removed at surgery prior to natural menopause, (also known as oophorectomy).
Definition of Menopause
- Menopause is a natural event that is said to have occurred when a woman has not menstruated naturally for 12 consecutive months.
- Menopause usually occurs between the ages of 48 and 55.
- Among Australian women, the average age is about 51 to 52 years.
- A few women experience menopause much earlier and others may still be menstruating in their late fifties.
 Menopause Fact Sheet (96.21 KB) ~  Menopause (5.5 MB)
Emotional Health at Midlife and Menopause Fact Sheet (65.25 KB)
More Fact Sheets...
HRT and lung cancer
Statement on results from WHI study
Comments from researchers at the Jean Hailes Foundation for Women's Health - September 21, 2009
Study summary
Research based on the original Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study has just been published in the Lancet 2009; September 20, entitled "Oestrogen plus progestin and lung cancer in postmenopausal women (Women's Health Initiative trial): a post-hoc analysis of a randomised controlled trial. This research has noted that among women aged 60 years and over, there is a small increased risk of death from one type of lung cancer, (5 additional deaths per 10,000 women over 60 started on HRT per year) but no increased risk of death overall for women taking HRT compared to those not on HRT. The study did not show an increased number or rate of lung cancers. Importantly, these observations were not noted in women 50-59 years of age who make up the large majority of women starting HRT for menopausal symptom relief in Australia. In women over 60 years who are at high risk of lung cancer (ex or current smokers), this should be taken into account when weighing up the risks and benefits of beginning HRT, an uncommon practice in that age group.
The International Menopause Society, at their latest Congress, confirmed that for women aged 50 to 59, HRT remains the first line and most effective treatment for menopausal symptoms. For women in this age group there is no significant increase in risk in using HRT - in fact the benefits outweigh the risks. This recent study data does not influence that conclusion with no observed impact on women aged 50-59 years.
Introduction
The Foundation strongly advocates that women and health professionals take a balanced, evidence-based and informed approach to health. All risks and benefits should be taken into perspective when considering the use of HRT for menopausal symptom relief.
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Professional Development Activities
Free, online Active Learning Modules
Weighing up the Evidence for Prescribing Hormone Therapy (HT) - currently under review
Osteoporosis: Under-diagnosed and under-treated - currently under review
For information on available activities go to Online GP & HP Education
Further Resources
Why me? Menopause DVD
Content Updated November 26, 2009 |
