What are the symptoms of menopause?
Hot flashes and night sweats are the hallmark, along with trouble sleeping, irritability or low mood, brain fog, vaginal dryness and more frequent urination. Falling estrogen speeds up bone loss and raises LDL cholesterol, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease. Loss of muscle can also lower basal metabolic rate.
Is hormone therapy safe?
The Menopause Society (2022) says that for healthy women under 60 or within 10 years of menopause, the benefits of hormone therapy—fewer hot flashes and less bone loss—generally outweigh the risks. It's not recommended for women with a history of breast cancer, blood clots or stroke, and women with a uterus need a progestogen too. Non-hormonal options include certain antidepressants and fezolinetant. Exercise, not smoking, calcium and vitamin D support long-term health.
This article is general health information and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist, see a doctor.
FAQ
- How long do hot flashes last?
- On average about seven years, though it varies widely.
- Do men go through menopause?
- Not exactly, but testosterone declines gradually with age and can cause fatigue and low libido.
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-25
References
- The 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement of The North American Menopause Society. (2022). Menopause, 29(7), 767–794.