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Menopause perks you might not expect

Oct. 13, 2025—The transition to menopause (called perimenopause) can be an uncomfortable time. If you're coping with hot flashes or other symptoms, it might help to know that those symptoms won't last forever.

What comes next might bring some pleasant surprises. Here are six possible perks to look forward to:

1. No more periods. This means no more cramps, PMS or hormonal swings. You also won't need to buy period products or worry about how your cycle might affect your plans, outfits or travel. According to an AARP survey, 80% of women see this change as a big benefit.

2. No risk of pregnancy. Once you've gone a full year without a period or any spotting, you've officially reached menopause, says the Office on Women's Health. At that point, you can no longer become pregnant.

Be aware: Pregnancy is still possible during perimenopause, even if you haven't menstruated in months.

3. Fewer migraines. According to the American Migraine Foundation (AMF), hormone changes during the menstrual cycle are a common migraine trigger. Shifting hormones during perimenopause can make the problem worse. But once the transition is complete, about 2 out of 3 women report fewer—or no—migraines, says the AMF.

4. Reduced anger and mood swings. According to The Menopause Society, women often get better at managing anger as they age. Mood swings may also become less intense, partly because they're no longer linked to hormone changes that happen during your cycle.

5. A stronger sense of self. Many women feel more confident and comfortable being themselves as they get older, says AARP. Life experience often brings a stronger sense of self, and the pressures that once felt heavy for younger women may start to fade.

6. Fewer issues with certain health conditions. Conditions like endometriosis often get better after menopause, easing unpleasant symptoms such as chronic pelvic pain, pain during or after sex, bloating, nausea, and fatigue.

A natural time to focus on health

One more benefit? Menopause can be a great time to take a look at your health and make positive changes. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep and managing stress can all help you feel your best.

Sources

• AARP. "Women's Aging Journey, Menopause and Media Representation." https://www.aarp.org/pri/topics/aging-experience/older-women-authentic-representation-menopause/.
• American Migraine Foundation. "Hysterectomy and Migraine: What to Expect." https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/hysterectomy-and-migraine-what-to-expect/.
• American Migraine Foundation. "Migraine and Menopause." https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/migraine-and-menopause/.
• The Menopause Society. "Women Get Better at Managing Their Anger as They Age." https://menopause.org/press-releases/women-get-better-at-managing-their-anger-as-they-age.
• National Council on Aging. "How to Stay Positive During Menopause." https://www.ncoa.org/article/how-to-stay-positive-during-menopause/.
• National Institute on Aging. "What Is Menopause?" https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/menopause/what-menopause.
• Office on Women's Health. "Menopause Basics." https://womenshealth.gov/menopause/menopause-basics.
• World Health Organization. "Endometriosis." https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/endometriosis.