Understanding Perimenopause and Menopause
Perimenopause and menopause are natural stages of life that happen as hormone levels change with age. They can affect people in different ways and symptoms can vary from person to person.
Many people find that understanding what is happening and knowing where to get support can make symptoms easier to manage.
What is perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause when hormone levels begin to change.
During perimenopause, you may still have periods, but they may become:
- irregular
- lighter or heavier than usual
- closer together or further apart
Symptoms can begin several years before periods stop completely.
What is menopause?
Menopause is reached when you have not had a period for 12 consecutive months.
The average age of menopause in the UK is around 51, although it can happen earlier or later.
Menopause is a natural part of ageing and affects everyone differently.
Common symptoms
Common symptoms of perimenopause and menopause include:
- hot flushes
- night sweats
- difficulty sleeping
- low mood or anxiety
- brain fog and memory difficulties
- headaches
- joint and muscle aches
- vaginal dryness
- reduced sex drive
- changes in periods
Some people experience only a few symptoms, while others find that symptoms have a significant impact on daily life.
Support and treatment
There are a range of ways to manage menopause symptoms.
Options may include:
- lifestyle changes
- non-hormonal treatments
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
If symptoms are affecting your daily life, we can discuss the options available and help you decide what may be most suitable for you.
When to seek advice
Consider contacting the practice if:
- you think you may be experiencing perimenopause or menopause
- your symptoms are affecting your quality of life
- you would like to discuss HRT
- you have concerns about changes to your periods