Menopause usually takes place between the ages of 48 and 55 but symptoms can start happening several months or years before your periods stop for good. This is known as the perimenopause.
You may get a clue that you are entering the perimenopause if the pattern of your periods starts to change. They usually become less frequent before stopping altogether, although you may have times when you have a period every two or three weeks. You may also find that your periods become lighter than usual or heavier.
Besides these changes, around 80% of women will have other symptoms, which can sometimes be severe enough to upset your day to day life. These symptoms are caused by hormone changes in your body and will usually settle down once you have completed the menopause – that is, not had a period for 12 months in a row.
Some of the most common symptoms are:
- Hot flushes
- Night sweats
- Problems sleeping
- Reduced sex drive
- Vaginal dryness or irritation
- Difficulty concentrating and forgetfulness
- Feeling low or anxious
- Headaches
- Palpitations – a feeling that your heart is racing
- Stiff or aching joints
- Tendency to develop urinary tract infections, like cystitis
Everything you wanted to know about the menopause but didn’t know who to ask
However, most of these symptoms can be treated so you should not feel that they are something you have to put up with. If you would like to find out more about the menopause and ways to manage the symptoms, please contact the clinic to book your appointment with our women’s health specialist
