How to get help for perimenopause and menopause symptoms

17 Jan

Menopause is officially reached 12 months after your last period. Before that comes perimenopause, the transition phase when hormone levels begin to change. On average, perimenopause lasts around four years, but symptoms can start up to 10 years before menopause, which is why many women don’t initially realise what’s happening.

Menopause can feel confusing, overwhelming, and sometimes a bit lonely and having support can make a huge difference.

What Is Perimenopause and Menopause?

Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause, when fluctuating oestrogen levels can cause a wide range of symptoms – even if your periods are still happening.

Menopause itself is diagnosed once you’ve gone a full year without a period. Both stages can affect your physical health, mental wellbeing, sleep, and quality of life.

When Should You Seek Help for Menopause Symptoms?

You should consider seeking help if menopause or perimenopause symptoms are affecting your sleep, mood, work, relationships, or day-to-day life, or if things just don’t feel quite right.

Many women delay asking for help because they’re unsure whether symptoms are hormone-related – but you don’t need to wait until things feel unbearable. Early support can make a real difference.

Common and Less Well-Known Menopause Symptoms

Most people recognise symptoms like hot flushes, night sweats, and mood changes, but menopause can cause many other symptoms that are less widely talked about.

These include restless legs, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), joint pain, anxiety, brain fog, heart palpitations, and sleep problems. Because these symptoms aren’t always linked to menopause, they’re often missed or dismissed.

How to Track Menopause Symptoms

Tracking your symptoms can be incredibly helpful. It allows you to spot patterns, see how symptoms change over time, and clearly explain what’s been happening when you seek help.

The Menopause Charity symptom checker is a useful tool:
https://themenopausecharity.org/information-and-support/symptoms/menopause-symptom-checker/

Keeping a simple record of your symptoms can also help guide treatment discussions.

Preparing for a Menopause Appointment

Before seeing a doctor or menopause specialist, it helps to gather some key information.

Knowing your family medical history is particularly important, especially if there is a history of:

Breast cancer
Osteoporosis (thinning of the bones)
Heart attacks or strokes
Blood clots or clotting disorders

This information can influence treatment options, including whether hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be appropriate.

What to Take to Your Menopause Appointment

If you are seeing a new GP or healthcare professional, they may not have access to your full medical history. Taking letters from other specialists or a brief medical summary can be very helpful.

If possible, bring results from cervical screening tests and mammograms.

It’s also a good idea to take a list of symptoms, symptom tracker if you have completed one and questions, and many people find it helpful to make notes during the appointment.

Seeing Your NHS GP About Menopause

If you are attending an NHS GP practice, ask whether there is a GP who specialises in women’s health or menopause. You can also ask whether it’s possible to book a longer appointment.

Standard GP appointments are often only 10 minutes long, which isn’t always enough time to fully explore menopause symptoms and treatment options so preparing for the appointment can have a really positive impact.

Menopause Treatment Options and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Reading about menopause and treatment options before your appointment can help you feel more confident and informed.

This is especially useful if you are considering hormone replacement therapy (HRT), also known as menopause hormone therapy (MHT). HRT can be very effective for many women, but it’s important to consider individual symptoms, medical history, and personal preferences.

Trusted, evidence-based resources include:

Taking Support to Your Menopause Appointment

If you can, take someone with you – a friend, partner, or family member. They can offer emotional support and help you remember what was discussed.

Having another person there can also make it easier to ask questions and feel more confident during the appointment.

Common Questions About Getting Help for Menopause

How do I know if my symptoms are menopause-related?

Menopause symptoms often fluctuate, come in clusters, and may change over time. Tracking symptoms and noticing patterns can help, and a healthcare professional can help you explore whether hormone changes may be contributing.

Do I need to take HRT for menopause symptoms?

Not everyone needs or wants HRT. Treatment should always be individual and based on your symptoms, medical history, and preferences. There are different options available, and it’s important to discuss what feels right for you.

Are there non hormonal options for managing menopause symptoms?

Yes. Lifestyle plays a big role in managing symptoms including exercise, following a mediterranean diet, minimising alcohol, sleep hygiene and not smoking.

Some supplements can help, and I prescribe medication which can help symptoms including antidepressants and more.

Longer Appointments for Personalised Menopause Care

If you’re working with me, appointments are 45 minutes long, allowing plenty of time to explore what’s going on for you in detail.

I have completed advanced menopause training and Iʼm registered with the British Menopause Society so make sure I keep up to date with the latest evidence. We will talk through your symptoms, medical and family history, lifestyle, and concerns, and look at treatment options in a calm, unrushed way. Care is always personalised, and treatment is only considered if it’s the right option for you.

Menopause care shouldn’t feel rushed or dismissive. Being listened to can make all the difference.