Women are born with a certain number of so-called egg cells in their bodies. The egg cells mature into eggs every month from the time you start having periods.

During menopause, the eggs start to run out. Then you also stop having periods.

The eggs are formed in the ovaries.

Lower levels of hormones in the body

Hormones are substances that control some things that happen in the body. They are made in various places in the body and travel via the blood. Hormones control periods, for example.

The hormone called oestrogen is made in the ovaries. When the eggs run out, the oestrogen level also decreases. This can affect the body in different ways.

You can experience various symptoms when you have less oestrogen in the body. Here are some examples:

• You suddenly become very hot and sweaty.
• You have difficulty sleeping.
• You may feel sad, depressed or angry.
• You feel dryness in your vagina, eyes and mouth.
• You pee more often.
• It stings when you pee.

Everyone is affected differently

People are affected by menopause in very different ways. Some people have a lot of problems. Others have no problems at all.

It is common to feel less desire to have sex during menopause. This may be due to hormones.

Sex life can be affected for several reasons. Here are some examples:

• It may hurt to have vaginal intercourse due to dry mucous membranes.
• You may feel tired if you do not sleep well.
• You may be depressed, which may reduce your sex drive.
• You may find things difficult because you are leaking urine.

Seek medical help if any of the following apply to you:

• You have severe problems due to menopause.
• You pee frequently and it stings when you pee.
• You get your period again after your period has been gone for a year.
• You have vaginal bleeding that is different to before.

You can seek help at a healthcare centre (vårdcentral).

You can get help from an interpreter if you do not speak Swedish. 

Call and get advice on the telephone number 1177 

Call the telephone number 1177 if you want help with what to do. You can also find out where you can seek help.

Call +46 771 11 77 00 if you have a phone with a foreign number.

There are medicines that can help with the various symptoms. You can talk to a psychologist or counsellor if you need support.

You can also get help if you have difficulty sleeping or feel very stressed.

Help for vaginal dryness

There are medicines that can help if you have vaginal dryness. Use lubricant when you have vaginal intercourse.

Here are some tips on what you can do to feel better:

• If you smoke, it is important to try to quit.
• Exercise several times a week.
• Do both strength and fitness exercises.
• Practise relaxation.
• Try to get enough sleep.
• Talk to people around you about how you are feeling.

If you are close to someone going through menopause, you may also be affected. For example, it can be difficult when the person has rapid mood changes.

Learn about what happens during menopause and what problems are common. Listen to your loved one and ask questions. This can help you understand and provide support.

Talk about your sex life

Talk to the person you have sex with. Ask them if it feels good, or if you should do something differently. It is common for sex drive to return after a while.