The menopause is a naturally occurring significant life event. How menopause affects women with learning disabilities is a neglected area of research. Studies have shown that the menopause is usually earlier in women with learning disabilities and earlier still for women with Down's syndrome. Hot flushes, night sweats, psychological effects and osteoporosis are all linked with a decline in oestrogen. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been demonstrated to have some benefits and some adverse side-effects. Physical problems among women with learning disabilities and other aspects of ageing warrant particular focus. Studies among women from the general population show that the menopause can be a fulfilling time of a woman's life. There are no known comparative studies that look at how women with learning disabilities experience this change.
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