Access without Apology

For far too long people have sat with menopause symptoms and thought that living with life-altering symptoms was ‘normal’ and ‘just part of life’. While menopause is normal and part of life, no one should have to suffer mentally or physically due to this transition. Many GPs and OBYNs report their patients telling them that they have been struggling for years with a combination of menopause symptoms which could have been dealt with when they first arose. There are many reasons for this that stem from ageism, misogyny, and a volatile environment for reproductive health. Menopause treatments are healthcare, no different from at any other point in life. There should be no delay or consternation when thinking about seeking medical support for any mental or physical condition that brings discomfort and impedes any area of life; for menopause or otherwise. People should seek treatment without hesitation and without apology

Time

There is no set time when a person will begin to transition into perimenopause and everyone experiences symptoms differently. According to the NHS, in the UK, the average age for a person to reach menopause (12 months with no menstrual period) is 51. But the transition to this point is what is called perimenopause. It is during this time when a person will begin to experience symptoms. There is a list below which includes menopause symptoms. However, people under the age of 45 should consult their GP or OBGYN if they begin to have symptoms associated with menopause.

Early menopause is when a person’s periods stop for longer than 12 months before 45. Early menopause can occur naturally or as a result of cancer treatments, hysterectomy, or gender affirming care.

Severity

The next consideration when deciding to consult your GP about menopause is understanding the severity of your symptoms. The most common sign of entering into perimenopause is a change in monthly menstrual cycle. This could mean lighter or heavier bleeding or an earlier or later start than usual. While there are many factors that can also contribute to a change in monthly periods, it is important to bring talk about it to your doctor about any changes and they can evaluate to see if there are other indicators of perimenopause.

Sooner is Better

Speaking with a healthcare professional about any inquiries regarding menopause is essential not only to get accurate information but also to get a treatment plan that is right for each person. If you feel like you aren’t being heard by your healthcare provider, a second opinion is always an option. If your menopause symptoms are impacting your life in any way, your doctor will want to know about it. Menopause symptoms are numerous and sometimes occur as part of the transition and some happen as a person ages. Knowing this difference is key to treatment. Whatsmore is that a doctor will want to treat menopause symptoms as part of your entire health care and adjust as needed. Your doctor should also serve as a place of trusted guidance towards other treatment options; should they be related to your physical health or mental health.

What Symptoms are Associated with Menopause?

Most people will experience a variety of symptoms that begin and cease throughout the menopause journey. The following symptoms are listed by the NHS as commonly associated with menopause.

• anxiety
• changes in mood – such as low mood or irritability
• changes in skin conditions, including dryness or increase in oiliness and onset of adult acne
• difficulty sleeping – this may make you feel tired and irritable during the day
• discomfort during sex
• feelings of loss of self
• hair loss or thinning
• headaches or migraines
• hot flushes – short, sudden feelings of heat, usually in the face, neck and chest, which can make your skin red and sweaty
• increase in facial hair
• joint stiffness, aches and pains
• loss of self-confidence
• night sweats – hot flushes that occur at night
• palpitations – heartbeats that suddenly become more noticeable
• problems with memory, concentration and ‘brain fog’
• recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), such as cystitis
• urge and stress incontinence
• reduced sex drive (libido)
• tinnitus
• vaginal dryness and pain