Menopause

Are you feeling out of sorts but can’t put your finger on it? Sleepless nights, hot flushes, irritability, foggy brain ? Menopause symptoms are due to oestrogen hormone deficiency and can affect women from their late thirties onwards, even with regular menstrual cycle. Complete this patient symptom score to see if you may be suffering from symptoms of oestrogen deficiency.

There are safe effective therapies available to restore your quality of life. A consultation will focus on identifying the right solution for you.

What do I need to know ?
Perimenopause describes the time during which your ovaries are still producing enough of the female hormone, oestrogen, to allow you to have a menstrual cycle but you may be suffering from symptoms due to low or fluctuating oestrogen levels.

You will usually have a change in your menstrual cycle in some way during this time, either shorter or longer cycles, heavier or lighter bleeds or worsening PMS symptoms. 

Menopause and post menopause describes the time after your periods have stopped and you may have symptoms due to low oestrogen during this time. 

There are lots of symptoms of low oestrogen which can occur during perimenopause and menopause and lots of different symptom score sheets (AMS symptom score sheet) and apps to monitor your symptoms (Balance app). 

Are blood tests useful ?
A clinical assessment with a doctor is the best way to determine whether you are experiencing issues related to perimenopause and menopause. Hormone blood tests are generally not useful, particularly in perimenopause, where the levels of hormones are fluctuating so a normal result can be falsely reassuring. There are certain situations where blood tests will be used but usually only after an initial consultation. 

What treatment options are available?
HRT          Non hormonal medical treatments          
Lifestyle - nutrition - exercise  - self care

There are lots of treatment options available to manage symptoms of menopause and perimenopause and your doctor can help you develop an individualised plan to navigate your menopause. Remember your lifestyle is an important piece of your hormone health and general wellbeing.