Our comprehensive guide to the female menopause transition, what symptoms to look out for, and the treatments and support available for those who need it.

6 minute read

Menopause is a completely natural part of aging that marks the end of a women’s reproductive years, usually 12 months after her last menstrual period. With societal pressures, it can be quite a scary thought, but it’s nothing to be ashamed of or worry about.

For a topic that is rarely discussed, we have put together a comprehensive guide to menopause. This guide addresses the bodily effects of menopause and provides the necessary information to navigate this transition smoothly. We’ll also discuss the support that is available and everything you need to embrace this new chapter of your life with confidence instead of uncertainty and fear.

Who does menopause affect?

Menopause is a universal experience which can occur anytime between the ages of 40 to 60 years old. However, 1 in 100 women may experience menopause before the age of 40, so it can vary. According to the NHS, the average age for a woman in the UK to hit menopause is around 51. 

It's crucial to comprehend the signs because different elements like lifestyle habits, genetic predisposition, and medical history could precipitate an early onset of menopause in certain women. Keeping an eye out for these signals could help in early detection and better management.

Menopause in the LGBTQ community

As menopause is caused by changes in oestrogen and progesterone hormone levels, it can also affect transgender men and non-binary people. Transgender females may also experience symptoms similar to menopause from hormonal therapy.

As a result, members of the LGBTQ community may experience the symptoms of menopause, anxiety, depression and trigger body dysmorphia. This is something that is not widely spoken about and many people may therefore be unaware of it.

What is perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the stage before menopause, and it can last for many years. This is when hormones fluctuate, and the levels of oestrogen and progesterone begin to decline. This causes irregular menstrual cycles and some menopausal symptoms such as mood swings, hot flushes, and cause difficulty in sleeping.

Perimenopause can occur during mid 30’s in some women, but usually starts once they are in their 40’s. For some it can be even earlier.

How do you know when you’ve transitioned to menopause?

There are three stages to menopause:

• Perimenopause

• Menopause

• Postmenopause

A woman is classed as hitting menopause once she has not had her period in 12 continuous months. Periods will slow down and eventually stop.

A woman then becomes post-menopausal, and there is very little oestrogen being produced by the body. For some women menopausal symptoms might completely stop, but for others the symptoms may continue for longer.

For some women, due to health reasons, menopause may happen surgically if one, or both ovaries has been removed. If this happens, menopause occurs quickly. Women who experience surgical menopause usually experience the most severe menopausal symptoms, compared to women who experience menopause naturally.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

Women may experience different levels of symptoms during menopause. The most common symptoms of menopause include:

• Hot flushes

• Headaches

• Night sweats

• Fatigue

• Difficulty sleeping

• Dry eyes

• Muscular aches

• Poor concentration

• Decreased libido

• Increased chances of getting UTIs, anxiety and mood swings

Women may also experience an increase in facial hair growth or thinning of hair on their head, due to the change in their hormones. Usually, women will experience the worst symptoms during the first 2 years of menopause with the most common symptoms being a racing hear and hot flushes.

Even if women don’t experience any noticeable changes, they will still occur at a physiological level which will have an impact on physical health due to hormonal changes. For example, decrease in bone density, osteoporosis, or heart disease. There is also research to suggest women with lower oestrogen levels are at higher risk of suffering from long covid.

Menopause and the workforce

The UK workforce is made up of a high number of women, and almost 8 out 10 of these women will reach menopause during their working years, as this comes before the age of retirement. Women in the workforce with menopause is a fast growing demographic with an estimated 4.5 million women between the ages of 50-64 in employment. This is set to increase in the future.

Statistics show that almost 900,000 women in the UK had to leave the workforce due to symptoms caused by menopause. So, we need to talk about it more often as it has an impact on their employers, the workforce and economy too.

Where to find reliable information on menopause in the UK

If you are struggling to find help, there are many sources of reliable information on menopause in the UK, but it’s important to make sure you only look at reliable information sources. The National Health Service (NHS) website is one reliable source which gives accurate information on menopause, covering topics ranging from symptoms to treatment options.

Other organizations like Menopause Support UK and the British Menopause Society are other valuable resources. On their websites you can find articles, guides, and support networks tailored to women experiencing menopause. Another award-winning website for information is Menopause Matters which gives a lot of information on the symptoms and available treatments. Finding a supportive network of other women who are also experiencing menopause, or have already experienced it, can really help you deal with your symptoms.

Who should you speak to regarding menopausal symptoms?

It can be difficult to know who to turn to if you think you are experiencing symptoms of menopause, and to even recognise the symptoms sometimes. Woman may be reluctant to speak to family or friends about how they are feeling. The best thing to do is consult a trained professional such as a GP, nurse or pharmacist. If it’s difficult to get an appointment with your NHS GP and it’s something that’s playing on your mind, you can always book an appointment with a private GP.

Support and advice regarding treatment

These healthcare professionals are trained and experienced in diagnosing menopause as they know exactly what symptoms to look out for. They can help support you with advice on how to manage your symptoms, treatments, and recommendations for lifestyle changes. GPs can also refer you to gynaecologists and endocrinologists who can help to support you with more specialised advice and personalise your treatment plans.

Mental health support

Reaching menopause can also have an impact on your mental health. Women may experience stress, anxiety, and even depression. Speaking to your GP can help find you the mental health support you need for menopause, they can refer you to a therapist or psychiatrist if needed. Talking therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) have been shown to help with the symptoms of menopause in some women.

What treatment is there for menopause?

There are a few treatment options for menopause, but lifestyle changes are strongly advised. Eating a balanced diet and avoiding caffeine and alcohol can help to control hot flushes. Regular exercise can also help reduce the risk of osteoporosis and improve sleep. Practicing mindfulness and counselling have also been proven to help.

Some women experience vaginal dryness which causes discomfort. For this oestrogen cream can be used which helps with moisture and lubrication.

The most recommend treatment for severe symptoms is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), which helps to replace the missing oestrogen hormone levels. HRT is available in different forms including skin patches, gels, tablets of sprays. It is also sometimes available as an implant.

Natural remedies

Some women do not want to take drugs and prefer the more natural options. Isoflavones and black cohosh have been shown to decrease the numbers on hot flushes a woman gets. Some women find taking St John’s Wort to be helpful. Other like to take sou and red clover.

It’s important to remember that everyone reacts differently to medications and, even though herbal remedies may be natural, it does not always mean they are safe. You must be careful, and you should talk to your GP first before making any big changes to any medication, or supplements you are taking.

Embrace menopause with confidence, not uncertainty

Menopause is a completely natural stage of a woman’s life, and it may be different for everyone. Yet there is a real stigma and lack of understanding around menopause, surprisingly even amongst women. Although it's absolutely normal, there is often a nervousness amongst women about discussing it, as they dread judgment or stigma from society. But please remember, seeking help or support when you need it is crucial.

Menopause causes both physical and emotional changes, and there is a wide range of reliable information out there you can look at. There are also various healthcare professionals such as GPs, nurses, pharmacists, and counsellors who you can speak to that can offer help through this challenging transition period.

You do not need to face this life transition on your own. Many women have already been through it and can share their experiences and coping strategies. With menopausal support, women can embrace menopause with confidence and without fear to continue doing all they love and living fulfilling lives. Don’t let menopause hold you back.