Menopause Awareness Month: a GP’s guide to managing midlife
As October is Menopause Awareness Month, we’re shining a light on this important midlife phase.
From unpredictable symptoms to changing hormone levels, this transition can bring physical and emotional challenges that vary from one person to the next. A recent study has highlighted how bothersome symptoms often begin before in the phase leading up to menopause, that still require careful management.
Whether you’re experiencing the early signs of perimenopause or are already in menopause, our team is here to provide a clearer picture.
The Australian Women’s Midlife Years (AMY) Study
Perimenopause is the stage leading up to menopause, when hormone levels, particularly oestrogen and progesterone, begin to fluctuate. This period can last for several years, often starting in a woman’s 40s, though it varies for everyone. Menopause itself is confirmed when you haven’t had a period for 12 consecutive months.
A recent study involving over 8,000 women (The Australian Women’s Midlife Years Study), published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, found that 37% of women in late perimenopause experience moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms, such as hot flushes and night sweats. These aren’t just uncomfortable, they can significantly disrupt sleep, concentration, and quality of life.
Other common symptoms include irregular periods, mood changes, anxiety, low libido, vaginal dryness, and joint aches. Some women also notice memory lapses or ‘brain fog,’ which can make work and daily life feel more challenging than usual.
It’s important to remember that everyone’s experience of menopause is different, with some experiencing symptoms earlier than others. The changes may start subtly and build gradually, which is why recognising and addressing symptoms early can help you manage them more effectively.
Testing and treatment options
If you suspect you’re going through perimenopause or menopause, your GP can help confirm it and discuss treatment options. Blood tests to measure hormone levels (such as FSH and oestradiol) can be useful in some cases, although diagnosis is often based on symptoms and age. At EssexPrivateGP, we take the time to listen, understand your experience, and provide tailored support.
For many women, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a highly effective way to relieve symptoms. HRT works by replenishing the hormones that naturally decline during menopause. This helps to reduce hot flushes, improve mood and sleep, and protect long-term bone and heart health. There are several types and delivery methods available, from patches and gels to tablets, and finding the right one for you is an individual process.
We’ll guide you through the options, discuss potential benefits and risks, and help you make an informed choice.
For those who can’t, or prefer not to take HRT, there are alternative non-hormonal treatments that can still provide relief. These include options such as red clover, sage and sea buckthorn oil, and lifestyle changes to support your overall wellbeing.
Lifestyle changes that support your menopause health
While medical treatment can be transformative, lifestyle adjustments often play a big role in managing symptoms. Regular exercise, for example, can help stabilise mood, strengthen bones, and improve cardiovascular health. A balanced diet can also help support hormone balance and bone strength.
At EssexPrivateGP, we also take a holistic approach to menopause care. That means looking beyond hormones and ensuring that blood pressure, cholesterol, thyroid function, and mental wellbeing are all considered as part of the bigger picture.
If you’re finding menopause or perimenopause difficult to manage, you don’t have to go through it alone. Book a personalised consultation with EssexPrivateGP to discuss your symptoms, testing options, and treatment choices. Together, we’ll create a plan that supports your health, restores your confidence, and helps you feel more comfortable through every stage of this midlife change.
