Menopause

Menopause is a natural process that happens when your hormone levels change, you no longer produce eggs in your ovaries, and your periods stop. It is a gradual process that normally takes several years and is made up of three stages, perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause.

The first stage of menopause, perimenopause usually starts between the ages of 45 and 55, though it may happen sooner. In the UK the average age to be diagnosed with menopause is 51. Menopause before the age of 40 is known as premature menopause. This affects around 1% of women and can be due to genetic factors, surgery such as removal of the womb or ovaries, or some cancer treatments. Often, the cause of premature menopause is unknown. 

On average, the transition from perimenopause to post-menopause takes around 7 years, though it can last as long as 14 years. How long your menopausal transition lasts depends on many factors including genetics, ethnicity, lifestyle factors such as smoking, and the age your perimenopause began. The stages of menopause are as follows: 

Perimenopause is the first stage of menopause. This stage normally lasts about 4 years but can take anywhere from a few months to over 10 years. The first sign of perimenopause is often changes to your periods which may become less regular, shorter, longer, heavier, or lighter. Other common symptoms of perimenopause include: 

• hot flushes
• vaginal dryness
• pain during sex
• difficulty sleeping
• night sweats 
• less interest in sex
• mood changes such as anxiety and irritability
• difficulty concentrating
• headaches
• joint and muscle pain
• weight gain 

Everyone’s experience of menopause is different, and you may not have all of the symptoms listed above. Your symptoms may also change as you go through the menopause. Some women have no symptoms at all. 

Menopause is diagnosed when you haven’t had a period for a year. Symptoms of perimenopause should start to improve after this time, though you may continue to experience symptoms for several months or years as hormone levels stabilise. 

Post-menopause is the third and final stage of the menopausal transition. Though your perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms normally improve post-menopause, you may have an increased risk of other health conditions including: 

• heart disease
• osteoporosis (brittle bones) 
• urine infections
• urinary incontinence (leaking urine)
• weight gain
• lack of interest in, or pain during, sex

If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of the menopause and would like to speak to a doctor, you can make an appointment for an online video consultation quickly and easily at Medicspot. 

Alternatively, you can check your levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, an indicator of perimenopause, at home with a simple test. 

Every woman’s experience of menopause is unique, and you may experience all, some, or none of the symptoms described above. Speak to your doctor if you are experiencing unpleasant symptoms that are affecting your relationships, general wellbeing, or quality of life. Your GP can prescribe medications as well as give support and advice to make this natural transition easier. 

Yes. A doctor can usually diagnose menopause by talking to you about your symptoms. During your video consultation, your doctor will ask you some questions about your general health and medical history, your age, family history, and the symptoms you are experiencing. They can then advise you about any necessary investigations and treatment options as well as recommend helpful lifestyle changes to improve your symptoms. 

With same-day appointments, no waiting times, and no need to leave your home, an online video consultation with Medicspot is quick, easy, and convenient. To make an appointment simply follow the steps below: 

• Go to our appointments page 

• Select the day you wish to have your appointment and book a convenient time. Opening hours are Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. 
• Have your consultation via video link. Make sure you choose a quiet place with a good internet connection for your consultation. 
• Collect any prescription medications from a pharmacy of your choice.

The cost of an online consultation is £49. All our GPs are NHS trained and based in the UK.

National Institute on Aging: What is Menopause?  September 30th, 2021 (Accessed July 13th, 2022) 

NHS Overview: Menopause May 17th, 2022  (Accessed July 13th, 2022)

Patient Info. Women’s Health: Menopause November 2nd, 2017  (Accessed July 13th, 2022)

The Pharmaceutical Journal: Treatment options for menopausal symptoms January 16th, 2018  (Accessed July 13th, 2022)

NHS Inform: After the menopause May 11th, 2022  (Accessed July 13th, 2022)