Menopause age guide

Wondering when the menopause might come, or whether it is early? Add your age and when your last period was to see where you sit.

Your details

At 47

4 years

to the UK average age of 51; the usual window for the menopause

NICE NG23 saysRegular periods and no flushes or sweats: no stage to name yet.
Blood testNot needed over 45
UK average age51
Usual range45 to 55
Months since your last periodstill having periods

Menopause means 12 months without a period (when not caused by contraception, pregnancy or treatment). Perimenopause, with changing periods and symptoms, can start years before. Family history, smoking and some treatments can bring it earlier.

Periods stopping before 45, or symptoms that affect your life at any age: see your GP. You do not need a blood test to be diagnosed if you are over 45.

The working

Against the UK average

The average age of the menopause in the UK is 51, and most people reach it between 45 and 55. At 47 and still having periods, the average is 4 years away, though changes can start any time now.

The words

What they mean

Term	Meaning
Perimenopause	the years of change before periods stop
Menopause	12 months since your last period
Early menopause	before 45
Premature ovarian insufficiency	before 40

How NICE diagnoses it

NG23 by age

Age	What NICE says
Over 45	Perimenopause: flushes or sweats with irregular periods. Menopause: 12 months without a period, or symptoms alone if you have no womb or use hormonal contraception. No blood test needed.
40 to 45	An FSH blood test can be considered if you have symptoms, including a change in your periods.
Under 40	Premature ovarian insufficiency is diagnosed from symptoms with infrequent or missing periods plus a raised FSH on 2 blood tests 4 to 6 weeks apart.

So at 47 with irregular periods and night sweats, NICE would call it perimenopause without any test. At 42 with the same picture, the GP may suggest an FSH test.

What can make it earlier

Some known factors

Family history of early menopause
Smoking
Some cancer treatments and surgery
Some autoimmune conditions

Read with care

What this cannot tell you

PredictionIt cannot say when your own menopause will happen.
Hormonal contraceptionIt can hide your natural periods.
DiagnosisOnly a clinician can diagnose early menopause.

Questions

Common questions

What is the average age of menopause in the UK?

51.

What is early menopause?

Menopause before 45. Before 40 it is called premature ovarian insufficiency.

Do I need a blood test to diagnose menopause?

Not usually if you are over 45 with typical symptoms, NICE says.

Sources

Last checked 21 October 2026. Spotted something wrong? Tell us and we will fix it.

Support when you need it

Contact your midwife or GP any time you are worried, and call NHS 111 if you cannot reach them. If a date or a result brings up difficult feelings, Tommy's and the Miscarriage Association offer kind, free support.