Menopause explained: what you need to know

What is menopause and what happens in the body? 

In short, menopause is a natural part of aging and is the process when your body gradually stops producing estrogen and progesterone – and your ovaries therefore stop releasing eggs and you stop having your period permanently. Menopause translates to “the stopping of monthly cycles”. You have officially entered menopause when you have gone 12 months without a menstrual period. The drop in different hormones triggers a lot of different reactions in the body, and for many, this can be a challenging time. It can also be liberating, though, to be free of having your period and all that comes with it. 

When does menopause start? 

Everything regarding the body and your period is unique – as so with menopause. And to answer at what age menopause starts is a bit tricky. It usually occurs somewhere between the age of 40–60 but could start both earlier and later for some people. Menopause can be influenced by genetics, and the age often mirrors the age at which a parent or sibling went through it. However, environmental and lifestyle factors can also impact the timing. 

What are the first signs of menopause? 

The most common first signs are usually irregular periods, hot flushes and vaginal dryness. This first stage of menopause is called perimenopause and often begins 5–10 years before menopause. 

Perimenopause is the transition period leading up to menopause when your body begins to run out of eggs, but you still get your period, only more irregularly (a good time to keep a pair of period panties with you). Perimenopause typically starts around the age of 40, but sometimes as early as 30 – called premature menopause, and includes the same symptoms as menopause itself. 

What are the most common menopause symptoms? 

When you’ve gone 12 months without a menstruation, you’ve made it to menopause. For many, this is a sweaty time (literally), while others breeze through it. Blame genetics. Symptoms of both perimenopause and menopause can vary in intensity and duration from person to person, but the most common symptoms are: 

  • Hot flushes and night sweats 

  • Irregular periods or changes to your flow 

  • Trouble sleeping and fatigue 

  • Mood swings 

  • Vaginal dryness 

  • Sore breasts, muscles and joints 

  • Reduction in bone density 

Not a very comfortable list, but (unfortunately) extremely normal.

Our menopause clothing – explained 

These garments are engineered to provide you with comfort and confidence as you navigate your unique menopausal experience.

We have carefully developed products that give you relief from hot flushes and night sweats.

Our groundbreaking menopause clothing is specifically designed for a body in change, with the Anti-flush™ technology here to help you. These garments absorb and transport moisture away from your body and release heat back to the skin during post-flush chill. Use them during day or night, it’s completely up to you. Discover Sleep Tee, T-shirts, boxer shorts, bikers, tank tops, singlets and slip dresses

How is the vagina affected by menopause? 

Many people feel that the vagina is affected when they go through menopause. The decline in estrogen levels changes the vaginal pH and can cause vaginal dryness, higher risk of irritation and infections. Our intimate care products are carefully developed to reduce irritation and vaginal dryness, as well as calm and protect your skin. They might not help with your hot flushes, but they will prevent that itchy dryness and leave you feeling soft, clean and moisturised.  

How long does menopause last? 

When you haven’t had your menstrual cycle for 12 consecutive months, you are in menopause and your body has stopped having monthly cycles. But looking at the big picture, menopause consists of three main different stages: perimenopause, menopause and post menopause. The transition between them all can span from anywhere between 5 and 15 years but is very different for everyone. 

Let’s talk about it 

49% of women don’t feel informed about menopause. That’s half of all women. Clearly, it’s something we need to talk about more. The significant knowledge gap can lead to confusion and anxiety, and in the big picture it fuels taboos and stigmas around menopause. We want to change that. Let’s talk about it.