How do I know if I’m menopausal?
More than 50 per cent of the population experiences menopause, usually between the ages of 45-55. Menopause is a natural process that can’t and shouldn’t be prevented, but you can limit the discomfort of any symptoms you experience. A quick and easy hormone profile can support you get the information you need to help make ‘the change’ better. Read on to understand what menopause is, the symptoms you might experience, and how you can manage them.
What is menopause?
Menopause is the point at which your oestrogen levels decrease, meaning that you ovulate less regularly and your periods eventually stop. Technically, you reach menopause when you haven’t had a period in the last 12 months.
What about perimenopause?
Perimenopause begins in the months or years before you reach menopause. It’s when you start experiencing symptoms of menopause, but your periods haven’t yet stopped.
Common symptoms of menopause
As hormone levels drop, many menopausal people experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms. Some of the most common ones include:
Feelings of anxiety and changes to your mood
Hot flushes and night sweats
Difficulty sleeping
Heart palpitations
Reduced sex drive
Vaginal dryness, causing discomfort during sex
Difficulties with memory or concentration
Weight gain
Joint stiffness
Hair loss or growth
Physical and mental symptoms are often interlinked. Many menopausal people find that their mental health and sense of self are strongly impacted by changes to their body.
Managing your symptoms
Menopause is a natural process that can’t and shouldn’t be prevented, but you can limit the discomfort of any symptoms you experience. There are three main methods:
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) - this does exactly what it says on the tin: replaces the hormones that your body is now producing at lower levels. Take a look at the NHS advice on HRT to decide if you want to discuss it with your GP.
Lifestyle changes - some simple changes to your routine, such as getting plenty of rest, eating calcium-rich foods, and exercising regularly, will help to alleviate key symptoms. Check out this article for more in-depth lifestyle advice.
Alternative medication - aside from HRT, there are non-hormone medicines to alleviate specific symptoms which bother you. Your GP will be able to advise you on the options.
Menopausal people often struggle with feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and a changing sense of self. It might help to connect with people who share your experiences by finding a Menopause Café near you.
Understanding your menopausal journey
A great way to understand your symptoms is to opt for a hormone profile. This blood test measures the levels of different hormones that your body is currently producing. From this, your clinician can advise you on what stage of menopause you’re at, and the treatment they’d recommend to alleviate your symptoms.
At Orchard, our phlebotomist will take your blood in a quick, easy procedure, and you’ll receive your results in 24-48 hours. It couldn’t be easier to get the information you need to start feeling more in tune with your body.