Dear MHI reader

Let’s not kid ourselves: The menopause is a challenge. Nobody wants hot flushes or other unpleasant side effects. And the worst thing is not knowing what to expect.
Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about the menopause.

Every menopause is unique
Every woman has her own experience of the menopause. And not every woman has a problem with the menopause. Some women feel great, others have severe symptoms, and everything in between. For many years, the menopause was perceived as unpleasant. And we women have resigned ourselves to this situation and not talked about it. In the meantime, many doctors have learned that there is no reason to suffer through the menopause, because there are effective treatment options. In addition, enduring the menopause can have negative consequences for your health.

Frequency and severity of symptoms
More and more studies are being carried out on the subject of the menopause, which consistently show how many women suffer from what. Today we know that:

1. about a third of women feel no different during the menopause than before.
2. another third experience annoying but not very severe symptoms.
3. the last third report very stressful side effects.

These figures can vary slightly depending on the environment, but are generally very stable.

How long does the menopausal transition last?
Many women used to think that menopause symptoms only lasted a few months and that everything would be fine afterwards. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Some women find it confusing that menopausal symptoms can last for years. We now know that the menopause usually begins in the mid-40s and can last for several years. The average time that women experience menopausal symptoms is around seven years – a long time. The first symptoms can appear in your early 40s and last for years.


What are common symptoms of the menopause?

Many women suffer from hot flushes, sleep disorders and mood swings. Weight changes, brain fog, depression and even joint pain can also occur. And yes, there are other lesser known symptoms. All of these «things» can occur during the menopausal transition.

What is a common problem in recognizing menopause?
A common problem with recognizing the menopause is that many women don’t immediately associate the symptoms with this stage of life. Doctors don’t always think of it either and prescribe medication based on a different diagnosis. Symptoms can develop gradually and vary from woman to woman, making diagnosis difficult.

Where can I get an overview of the possible symptoms?
You can find an overview of the possible symptoms and detailed explanations in our Wiki Meno.

How can I check if I have symptoms?
We have created an online menopause symptom checker with 20 simple questions followed by personalized health recommendations based on your symptoms.

Alternatively, you can download our Menopause Symptom Checker. You can use this to document your symptoms and then discuss them with your doctor.