The menopause can have a considerable impact on a woman’s physical and mental wellbeing, and also her working life. But what are the most common symptoms and when are these likely to occur?

In the Spring 2023 issue of The Menopause Exchange newsletter, Dr. Diana Mansour, consultant doctor, discusses different menopausal symptoms and how they may affect women’s lives and relationships. These symptoms include hot flushes and night sweats, vaginal dryness, aches and pains, mood swings, and sleep problems.

“In most women, menopausal symptoms last for around seven years but sometimes these can last for much longer,” says Norma Goldman, founder and director of The Menopause Exchange.

“Hot flushes and night sweats are often viewed as an inevitable part of menopause, but other symptoms can be equally or more troublesome at this time of life. Joint pain is particularly common in women of this age group but may not be attributed to menopause. Brain fog – forgetting words or poor concentration – can last for up to ten years in some people.”