The average age of the menopause in the UK is 51 years, although this can be earlier for some women. Early menopause is defined as occurring at any age younger than age 45, and menopause that happens in women younger than 40 is called premature menopause.
Although the menopause is a normal event in a woman’s life, there is a general feeling that not enough women talk about their experiences, and as such there is still a great deal of uncertainty about what the menopause means, and how it can be managed. To help overcome this problem, journalist and TV presenter Andrea McLean launched a support platform called This Girl is on Fire, originally as a place for women going through the menopause to share stories and advice. View the video below for more information about the project and her experience.