01
Understanding the issue
There is no minimum level of discomfort you must reach before asking for help with perimenopause or menopause symptoms.
Symptoms can affect sleep, mood, concentration, relationships, work and overall quality of life. Even when symptoms are not dangerous, a healthcare professional can help you understand what may be happening and discuss appropriate support or treatment options.
When symptoms affect daily life
Consider speaking with a GP or practice nurse if hot flushes, night sweats, poor sleep, low mood, anxiety, vaginal discomfort, headaches, joint pain or other symptoms are interfering with your normal activities.
You can also ask for advice if symptoms are manageable but you would like to understand your options. Treatment decisions should take account of your age, medical history, personal preferences and individual risk factors.
When symptoms begin earlier
Natural menopause most commonly occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. If you develop menopause-associated symptoms before the age of 45, it is important to speak with a GP.
Symptoms or infrequent periods before the age of 40 require medical assessment because premature ovarian insufficiency may need to be considered. Assessment and treatment can also be important for long-term bone and cardiovascular health.
When symptoms may have another cause
Symptoms such as fatigue, low mood, sleep disturbance, palpitations, headaches or changes in menstrual bleeding can have causes other than menopause.
A healthcare professional may review your symptoms, medical history and current medicines before deciding whether any examination, blood tests or other assessment is appropriate. Do not assume that every new symptom is caused by hormonal change.
02
Practical next steps
• Keep a brief record of your symptoms, menstrual changes and how they affect daily life.
• Note when the symptoms began, how often they occur and whether anything appears to trigger or improve them.
• Make a list of your medicines, supplements, contraception and relevant medical history before your appointment.
• Write down the questions you want to ask, including questions about treatment benefits, risks and alternatives.
• Tell the healthcare professional about the symptoms that matter most to you rather than feeling that you need to discuss everything at once.
• Do not stop prescribed medicines or begin hormone treatment or herbal products without appropriate professional advice.
03
When to seek further help
Arrange medical advice if menopause-associated symptoms are persistent, worsening, affecting your daily life or causing concern.
You should also contact your GP if:
• you have menopause-associated symptoms before the age of 45, particularly if you are under 40;
• you experience persistent or troublesome palpitations;
• your periods become much heavier than usual or you have bleeding between periods or after sex;
• you have any vaginal bleeding after having no periods for 12 months or longer;
• low mood, anxiety, fatigue or sleep problems are severe or difficult to manage; or
• you develop a new, persistent or unusual symptom and are unsure of its cause.
Any bleeding after menopause should be checked, even if it happens only once or involves only a small amount of spotting or discharge.
Seek urgent medical help if you feel at immediate risk of harming yourself or cannot keep yourself safe.
