We all know the menopause means some pretty big changes for the body, but it really is more than just periods stopping and the occasional hot flush.
According to the NHS, the definition of the menopause is 'when your periods stop due to lower hormone levels. It usually affects women between the ages of 45 and 55, but it can happen earlier'.
Whilst that defines our periods stopping, the body can actually undergo a range of health changes and some of them are pretty strange and could even be worrying if you don't know what to expect.
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Luckily, a gynaecologist has stepped in to take away the mystery and let us know what to expect, and why our bodies are reacting this way.
Dr. Sherry Ross, an author and board-certified OB/GYN, explained to The New York Post why our bodies feel like they're changing so much during menopause, as she said: "Estrogen is our superpower, and during perimenopause and menopause, the erratic production of this important hormone has a negative impact on the vulva and vagina."
Bluntly speaking, our hormone production changes which can lead to big changes in the body - namely down there.
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Many of us might think that menopause is for older women, but actually the first stage called 'perimenopause' can start in the 30s before switching into menopause once there's been 12 consecutive months without a period.
The perimenopause comes with symptoms, but they're typically considered less than when we go through the menopause itself, so consider it more of 'a teaser' if you will.
Some of the symptoms the body might experience as menopause kicks in can range from mildly annoying, to having a significant impact on our daily routine, with one of the main symptoms being that as women we feel drier down there due to a decrease in estrogen, which can then lead to other health issues.
"With low or nonexistent estrogen, there is less blood flow to the vulva and vaginal tissue, causing dryness, shrinking of the vaginal opening, and less natural lubrication causing pain, itching, irritation, burning and painful sexual penetration." Ross said.
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With less lubrication down below, the vagina can also end up in a state of flux with its natural Ph unsettled.
"Balance in life and balance in the vagina go hand in hand," she said. "The vagina is normally acidic. This sounds scary, yet it is the preferred pH balance and perfect for the many protective organisms to live happily while protecting the vagina from infections."
Another menopause symptom that we're all thrilled about (and not at all sarcastic about) is that we can end up wetting ourselves. The female body is just great isn't it?
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Peeing ourselves can happen because the pelvic floor can be weakened by our hormones changing. Now, obviously wetting yourself can be alarming, but it is quite common when the body goes through this transition, as Ross added: "The loss of estrogen during menopause negatively affects the healthy blood flow and lubrication to the muscles and tissues of the pelvic floor.
"As a result, there is a weakening of the pelvic floor muscles leading to urinary incontinence, bladder dysfunction, pelvic organ prolapses, poor pelvic floor strength and sexual problems."
Going through perimenopause and menopause can feel overwhelming, so it's important to know you can seek help from your GP or medical practice for any symptoms that feel alarming.
Niamh Spence