Not ready to go through the change? Maybe you can put it off for a while. This London.uk tells us:

New drugs are being developed that could stave off the menopause, it has been revealed.

The dramatic news came from fertility expert Professor Robert Winston. He told a conference that researchers had found a protein which they believe could be developed into a pill or an injection to extend the life of women's eggs.

This could be especially beneficial for women whose families have a history of early menopause. News in Science says:

"A great number of women are leaving their first baby until 35 or 40," said Professor MacLennan.

"Those who have a family history of early menopause might not realise their clock has stopped ticking."

Hormonal changes that lower fertility begin at least four years before menopause, so women who are still menstruating may still have problems getting pregnant.