Menopause Initial Consultation

This service is suitable for:

• Birth sex females aged 41 to 69 years

This service is NOT suitable for patients with:

• A known history of Breast or Ovarian Cancer (a personal history or active diagnosis)
• Active Venous Thromboembolism (blood clots in the veins)
• Patients seeking a prescription for an intrauterine system as part of HRT (examples include Mirena coil)

A diagnosis of perimenopause/menopause is based on:

• Menopausal symptoms with or without changes in your periods.
• No period for more than 12 months, if you are over 50 years or for under 24 months, if you are under 50 years and not on contraception.
• Surgically-induced menopause (post-hysterectomy)

Perimenopause is the journey leading to menopause. Perimenopause can start from 45 years onwards, with the average age being 50 years. 

Perimenopause can continue well into the 50’s but once a woman reaches 55 years old, natural fertility is deemed to be finished and contraception is no longer required. However, this does not mean that perimenopausal symptoms just disappear. 

Between 40-45 years, perimenopausal symptoms are regarded as the start of a Premature Menopause. Symptoms at 40 years or under could possibly be related to Premature Ovarian failure and this service is unsuitable for this management. 

Here at Careoncall, we aim to help with your physical symptoms, address any concerns on treatment options and offer both dietary and lifestyle advice. 

Perimenopause is the transition period leading up to menopause and can last several years. Some of the most common signs of perimenopause include:

• Irregular periods: these could be changes in menstrual cycle length, flow, and/or frequency.
• Hot flashes: perhaps one of the more well-known symptoms – these are sudden feelings of heat that can spread over the upper body and face.
• Night sweats: hot flashes that occur during sleep, often causing sweating.
• Sleep problems: this can include difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or waking up too early.
• Mood changes: while this varies from person to person, it generally means increased irritability, depression or anxiety.
• Vaginal dryness: Decreased oestrogen can lead to dryness, discomfort and/or pain during intercourse.
• Decreased libido: a lowered interest in sexual activity.
• Urinary issues: this could mean increased frequency or urgency or urination. It also means an increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
• Weight gain: changes in metabolism can potentially lead to weight gain, particularly around the abdomen.

Menopause is defined as the point when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months if over the age of 50. Symptoms often continue from perimenopause into menopause, but some women experience new symptoms as well. 

Some of the most common signs of menopause include:

• Hot flashes & night sweats: these may continue from perimenopause or intensify.
• Vaginal dryness and discomfort: this could also continue from perimenopause or worsen.
• Problems with cognitive functions: some women report memory lapses and difficulty concentrating.
• Joint & muscle pain: this could mean increased aches and pains.
• Changes in libido: persistent changes in sexual desire and response.
• Osteoporosis: decreased bone mineral density which increases the risk of fractures.
• Lack of energy or fatigue: persistently low energy levels regardless of how much sleep you get.
• Headaches: disruptions to the hormonal cycle can cause headaches

The menopausal transition tends to begin between ages 45 and 55. It usually lasts about 7 years but it can be as long as 14 years – everyone is different. The duration can depend on lifestyle factors, such as smoking, age it begins, and race and ethnicity.