The menopause is a natural part of female aging which usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55. A woman is deemed to have reached menopause when they have not had a period for 12 months, if a woman is having symptoms of menopause but is still having periods then it is defined as perimenopause. 

Oestrogen is the primary female hormone, it aids growth and health of reproductive organs and keeps the vagina elastic, moisturised and with good blood flow. The levels of oestrogen fluctuate during perimenopause, eventually dropping. 

Progesterone and testosterone also decline in levels. Progesterone is responsible for preparing the lining of the uterus for a fertilised egg. Testosterone, although known for being the ‘male’ hormone, contributes to a women’s libido and helps to maintain bone and muscle mass. These changes to the hormones produced by the ovaries can bring on a number of symptoms. 

Symptoms of menopause can vary from woman to woman and may change over time. Some women can be in the perimenopausal stage for months, although most find the transition take around 7-14 years. The length of time it takes to reach menopause can be influenced by lifestyle (smoking/drinking alcohol/diet), the age it begins, race and ethnicity. 

Symptoms associated with menopause include: 

• Changes to your period. This is usually the first symptom that women notice. Women may find that their periods become irregular during the perimenopausal stage before they stop altogether. 

• Mental health changes. Some women report ‘brain fog’ which is described as problems with memory or concentrating on a task. Some also experience low moods, anxiety as well as mood swings. Going through menopause can be an emotional time for a woman and can be associated with negativity, women often find they their self esteem is low. 

• Hot flushes, these come on suddenly and can cause dizziness. 

• Muscle aches and joint pain

• Headaches and migraines 

• Dry skin

• Low libido

• Vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex

• Frequent UTI’s

• Problems sleeping which is often due to night sweats. 

• Palpitations 

• Body shape and body fat 

Symptoms don’t always need treatment, but when they are more severe the woman may be offered one of two methods of treatment, hormonal or non hormonal. Hormone Replacement Therapy which boosts the hormone levels to relieve symptoms. This can be through Oestrogen Therapy (if a woman no longer has her uterus) which is oestrogen alone, or by Oestrogen Progesterone Hormone Therapy which is a combination of oestrogen and progesterone. 

Some women find it more suitable for them to be treated with medications that are non hormonal. For example, it’s sometimes possible for a woman experiencing hot flushes to be prescribed a type of antidepressant called a serotonin uptake inhibitor which can reduce their severity and frequency. 

If you are experiencing some symptoms of the menopause and would like to get a blood test, please book now using our online booking system.

Your blood test will be performed by a trained clinician and sent off to our partner laboratory. A GP will review your results and you will receive them via email within 48 hours.