Talk menopause with Aviva

Here to support you through every stage of menopause

Making sense of menopause

Menopause can affect life in different ways, from everyday routines to work, health and financial planning. Here you'll find clear, honest information designed to support you, whether you're experiencing menopause yourself or supporting someone who is.

Living it

Discover more information and support for you at every stage of menopause.

Explore "Go to living it menopause page"

Supporting someone with menopause

Learn more about how to support your partner, colleagues and those you care about who are experiencing menopause.

Learn more "Go to supporting someone with menopause page"

Menopause explained

Menopause involves big hormonal changes that can affect both physical and mental wellbeing. Symptoms start with perimenopause, moving through to menopause itself, and then into post-menopause.

Perimenopause

The months or years leading up to the final period.

Menopause

12 months after the last period.

Post-menopause

The years after that one-year mark.

Menopause is a health challenge millions will face

More than 33 million in the UK will experience menopause.

'Menopause' is just one day

Menopause itself is just one day, marking 12 months since someone's last period. But the overall experience can span more than a decade and includes perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause.

The financial impact can be as big as parenthood or retirement

Menopause is a major financial life stage (not just a health event) and putting it on your money roadmap like parenthood or retirement can help protect your income, savings and pension.

While technically menopause is just one day in your life, your experience of it starts from the build up of perimenopause, and can continue into what comes after as post menopause.

Dr. Suba M., Aviva Medical Director & Sustainability Lead

Menopause myths

There are a lot of misunderstandings about menopause. Here are some of the most common ones, explained clearly.

"Menopause is just hot flushes"

Reality: Hot flushes are very common but they're just one of many potential symptoms ranging from neurological and emotional, to physical.

"Menopause only affects those in later life"

Reality: Menopause usually happens between 45-55, but symptoms begin during perimenopause which can start earlier. Menopause can also happen after certain types of surgery.

"It starts when periods stop"

Reality: While the 'menopause' stage is defined as having gone 12 consecutive months without a period, hormone changes and symptoms can start while you're still menstruating regularly or sporadically during perimenopause, and can continue post-menopause.

"You can't get pregnant"

Reality: During perimenopause, ovulation becomes more unpredictable, but can still happen. Getting pregnant can be less likely, but not impossible. After you have gone 12 months without a period, this is defined as 'menopause' and it's unlikely you are able to get pregnant after this stage.