Menopause stages and symptoms

Menopause stages and symptoms

Menopause questions tend to arrive in the middle of a full work and family schedule. The questions people ask most are listed below, and each one has its own short guide.

Our approach is practical. We explain what the question means, what public health guidance says about it, and what to bring to a visit so your time with a clinician goes further.

Questions we answer

Open the one that fits where you are right now.

• What are the three stages of menopause?
• What is the average age for menopause?
• Does menopause cause weight gain?
• What makes menopause symptoms worse?
• Do men go through menopause?
• Can menopause affect sleep?

Where to go for expert guidance

Our menopause guides explain what to bring to a visit and do not replace a clinician. For overviews written by public health agencies, see the FDA page on menopause and the Office on Women's Health menopause page. A professional menopause society also has patient pages on sexual health and on mental health.

A simple symptom log helps at any stage. Note what you felt, when it happened, and what else was going on that day, such as travel, a late night, or a change in routine. Bring the log to your next appointment. If you are on a treatment and your routine changes, ask your prescriber how to handle the change before it happens.