According to the World Health Organisation, it's the time leading up to menopause, which can last even for 10 years.
It can affect a person's social, physical and mental well-being.
Its symptoms are hot flushes, night sweats, palpitations, brain fog, memory and concentration inconsistencies, low self-esteem and confidence, unhappiness, anger and weight gain.
It can also lead to libido issues, vaginal dryness, urinary tract infections, sore skin, urine incontenance.
It can be treated with Hormone Replacement Therapy, Tropical Vaginal Estrogen, weight resistance exercises, behavioural therapy and non-hormonal HRT options.
A nutritionally balanced diet that includes iron, B12, ferritin, Omega 3, vitamin D, zinc, and magnesium can also help.