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Menopause is when a woman's periods stop permanently. Menopause is defined as not having had a period for one year, and the months or years leading up to this are known as perimenopause.
During perimenopause, the female sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone fluctuate causing symptoms like hot flashes, irregular periods, and low libido (sex drive).
Most women go through menopause between the ages of forty-five and fifty-five, but it can occur earlier, either naturally or due to some medical treatments or surgery.
This page explains what menopause is and looks at some common symptoms of menopause and how they can be treated.
While some people do not experience troubling symptoms as they go through the menopause, many people find the process significantly impacts their day-to-day lives - whether physically, mentally or both. If this sounds like you, it's important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Don't suffer in silence, because there are many available treatments that could help you to feel better.
Call or book online today to arrange a consultation to discuss private menopause treatment with a consultant of your choice at Circle Health Group.
Menopause symptoms usually start during perimenopause (the period leading up to menopause). Symptoms vary in severity from the mild to the overwhelming and life-impacting.
Some common symptoms of menopause include:
Changes to your periods
This is normally one of the first signs of perimenopause. Your periods may become lighter, heavier, or more irregular, and eventually they will stop altogether.
Hot flashes
A hot flash or hot flush is a common symptom of menopause, which is where you feel suddenly hot or cold across your upper body. You may also feel dizzy. Hot flashes that occur at night are known as night sweats and are a common cause of disturbed sleep during perimenopause.
Mental health symptoms
Irritability, mood swings and problems with memory and concentration may occur during menopause. You may also experience feelings of low self-esteem, depression and anxiety during this time.
Low libido
Hormonal fluctuations during menopause can reduce your desire to have sex. Additionally, many women experience vaginal dryness, making sex painful. Other symptoms like difficulty sleeping, fatigue and low mood can all take their toll on your sex drive.
Weight gain
As our oestrogen levels drop, our body changes the way we store fat making us more likely to gain weight around our middle. We also lose muscle mass as we age, and our metabolism slows down making us more likely to gain weight.
Vaginal dryness
The decline in hormone levels during menopause leads to thinning of the vaginal walls and vaginal dryness. This can make sex painful and increase your risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Menopause is officially diagnosed when you haven't had a menstrual period for one year. Diagnosis of perimenopause is usually based on your age, symptoms and how often you have periods. Urine or blood tests to measure levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) are not usually needed in women of menopausal age but may be used to diagnose early menopause.
Menopause treatments range from lifestyle changes to medications and therapy, and which one is right for you depends on factors such as your symptoms, age, general health, and preferences.
Your consultant may recommend a combination of treatments to help with menopause symptoms.
Lifestyle changes
Mild menopause symptoms can often be managed with changes to your lifestyle and daily habits.
Some things you can do yourself to help manage your symptoms include:
- Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. Make sure you get sufficient calcium and vitamin D for optimal bone strength
- Take regular exercise, especially weight-bearing exercise
- Practice relaxation with activities like meditation, breathing techniques and yoga
- Reach out to other people going through menopause such as friends or support groups
- Stop smoking
- Avoid excessive alcohol
- Get into a bedtime routine and practise good sleep hygiene to promote restful sleep
- Lose weight if needed
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
HRT is one of the safest and most effective treatments for menopause symptoms and involves replacing the hormones that decline during this time.
Types of HRT include:
Oestrogen-only HRT
This contains the hormone oestrogen and can be taken by women who have had a hysterectomy (removal of the womb). Oestrogen-only HRT is available as tablets, skin patches, implants or a gel or spray that is applied to the skin.
Progesterone HRT
This contains the hormone progesterone. Progesterone reduces the risk of endometrial cancer and endometrial hyperplasia (thickening of the womb lining that can lead to cancer). Women who have a womb must take progesterone alongside oestrogen when taking HRT. Progesterone is available as patches (combined with oestrogen) tablets, or an intrauterine device (IUD).
Testosterone gel
This may be prescribed if you experience low sex drive that doesn't improve with HRT. It comes as a gel that you rub onto your skin. You can use testosterone gel with other types of HRT.Vaginal oestrogen
This comes as a cream, ring or pessary that is applied inside the vagina. It helps relieve vaginal dryness and thinning of vaginal tissue. You can take vaginal oestrogen in combination with other forms of HRT.
Other medications
Non-hormonal medications that may help with menopause symptoms include:
Clonidine
A blood pressure medication that can help with hot flashes
Gabapenti
This is a medication used to treat seizures that can reduce hot flashes
Antidepressants
Low doses of a type of antidepressant called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may reduce hot flashes. They may also be prescribed to treat menopause-related depression or anxiety.
Medication to prevent or treat osteoporosis
As oestrogen levels decline, the risk of osteoporosis increases. Osteoporosis makes our bones brittle and more likely to break. A bone density scan can show if you have, or are at risk of developing osteoporosis. If this is the case, you may be prescribed medication to help strengthen your bones.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBD)
CBD is a type of talking therapy that helps you change negative thoughts and patterns of behaviour. It can help with menopause symptoms such as low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety.
Natural remedies
There are many natural remedies available for menopause. We do not usually recommend taking natural remedies because they are unregulated and there is no clear evidence that they work. Some natural remedies may also cause side effects and interact with other medications you are taking. Talk to your consultant before taking any natural remedies for menopause.
At your first consultation, you will be seen by a consultant gynaecologist, a doctor specialising in conditions affecting the female reproductive system.
Your consultant will ask you some questions about your age, symptoms, and menstrual cycle. This is to help them make a diagnosis of menopause or perimenopause.
Your first consultation is also where we get to know you, discuss your expectations for treatment and encourage you to ask any questions you may have.
At Circle Health Group, we want you to be as well-informed and comfortable as possible during all stages of your treatment. Please take the opportunity to ask your consultant as many questions as you like during your first appointment.
At the end of your appointment, your consultant will discuss possible treatment options based on your symptoms, diagnosis, and preferences.
We answer some of your most frequently asked questions about menopause.
Can IVF cause early menopause?
There is currently no evidence that fertility drugs used in in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment can trigger early menopause. Early menopause is usually genetic or may be due to surgery such as an oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries) or cancer treatment. One study suggested that women who had undergone IVF entered menopause slightly earlier, but the difference was insignificant and more research is needed.
What are the best treatments for menopause?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is considered the best treatment for symptoms of menopause. For women who cannot or do not want to take HRT, other treatments are available.
What is the best treatment for menopausal acne?
Perimenopausal acne is a common condition caused by fluctuations in hormone levels during perimenopause. Most cases of perimenopausal acne improve with HRT, but if you can't take HRT, or don't see an improvement, seek specialist advice from a consultant dermatologist.
What is the best treatment for early menopause?
Early menopause is defined as menopause before the age of forty-five and premature menopause before the age of forty. It is usually treated with HRT or the combined contraceptive pill to restore your hormone levels.
Oestrogen protects against diseases like osteoporosis and heart disease and HRT is normally recommended at least until you reach the age of natural menopause to reduce the risk of these conditions.
At Circle Health Group we have the experience and expertise to ensure the best possible care and outcome for our patients. As a patient with Circle Health Group, you can expect the highest standards of care including:
- Flexible appointment times and locations that are convenient for you
- The freedom to choose which hospital and consultant suit your needs
- Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
- Comfortable and safe private facilities maintained by expert multidisciplinary teams
- Private ensuite rooms as standard
- A range of delicious healthy meals
- Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
- Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care
If you would like to see a consultant or learn more about menopause treatment, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly on 0141 300 5009.
Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in March 2023. Next review due March 2026.
- Treatment: Menopause, NHS
- Treating menopause symptoms, NHS Inform
- Everything you should know about menopause, Healthline
- Impact of IVF on the Timing and Symptoms of Menopause, PubMed
