Question 1

Perimenopause

Accepted Answer

​This is the phase leading up to the menopause.  Women may notice a change in their menstrual cycle which can become heavier or lighter, closer together or further apart. Hormone levels start to fluctuate and symptoms can very  daily and weekly.

Question 2

Early Menopause and Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)

Accepted Answer

An early menopause is defined as menopause occurring between the ages of 40 and 45, affecting around 10% of women.

When menopause occurs under the age of 40, it is known as premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and can affect approximately 4 in 100 women.

Women with POI have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.
 It is therefore important that they receive hormone replacement to protect their long-term health and wellbeing.

Question 3

Menopause

Accepted Answer

Menopause is the general term used to describe a stage in a women's life when the ovaries stop produce eggs.  This is defined when menstrual periods have stopped for 12 consecutive months. The average age in the UK is 51 years old. 
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Question 4

Postmenopausal

Accepted Answer

The time in your life one day after the menopause when menstrual periods have stopped for 12 consecutive months. 
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Question 5

What is Surgical Menopause ?

Accepted Answer

Surgical menopause occurs when both ovaries have been surgically removed, known as bilateral oophorectomy.  This leads to a sudden onset of menopausal symptoms due to a decrease in oestrogen and testosterone level.
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Question 6

What is Medical Menopause ?

Accepted Answer

Medical menopause occurs when ovarian function is disrupted or permanently changed due to medical treatment, e.g. radiotherapy, chemotherapy or treatment for some other medical conditions. There can also be other causes of an early or premature menopause

Question 7

What are the symptoms of the menopause ?

Accepted Answer

Hot flushes
Difficulty sleeping
Sweating at night
Irritability
Crying spells
Low mood
Mood swings
Loss of joy
Heart beating quickly or strongly
Feeling tense or nervous
Anxiety
Attacks of anxiety or panic
Palpitations
Feeling faint 
Weight gain
Digestive symptoms
Tinnitus
Reduced confidence
Lack of motivation
Memory problems (names & words)
Poor construction of daily routines or work schedules
Headaches, migraines
Restless legs
Feeling tired and lacking in energy
Difficulty concentrating
Dry eyes
Feeling dizzy
Pressure or tightness in head
Muscle and joint pains
Pins and needles to hands and feet
Breathing difficulties
Mood swings
Feeling faint
Weight gain
Digestive symptoms
Dry itchy skin
Hair loss
Brittle nails

Changes in periods and vaginal symptoms
Feeling the need to pass urine often
Loss of interest in sex
Low libido
Pain on intercourse
Vaginal dryness

Question 8

What is Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) ?

Accepted Answer

This is a broad spectrum description related to depleting levels of oestrogen affecting the vulva, vagina and lower urinary tract.  It used to be known as Vulvovaginal atrophy and atrophic vaginitis.

The symptoms can be vaginal dryness, irritation, itching, and burning per genitalia. Some women experience discomfort on intercourse.  Women may also suffer frequent and urgency of urination and recurrent  of urinary tract infections.

This can be helped by replacing hormones systemically or local to the vaginal and vulval area. There are also non hormonal options available. This can be discussed with your menopause specialist.

Question 9

How long will my symptoms last ?

Accepted Answer

This varies the average duration in 7-8 years if not treated.  Some women may experience  symptoms for longer.

Question 10

Will HRT help with my future health

Accepted Answer

Yes. When oestrogen levels fall during menopause, there can be long-term health risks such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD).

There are proven health benefits when HRT is started early ideally within 10 years of the menopause.

Oestrogen:
Helps control menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, and mood changes.
Maintains bone mineral density (BMD) and reduces the risk of osteoporotic fractures.
Has a positive effect on cardiovascular risk factors, especially when started in women under 60 or within 10 years of menopause, helping to lower the risk of coronary heart disease.

Women who experience premature menopause are usually advised to take oestrogen until around the natural age of menopause (51) to help protect their long-term heart and bone health.

Further information can be found on the BMS website.

Question 11

Do I need a blood test to diagnose the menopause ?

Accepted Answer

After the age of 45 you do not need a blood test  to confirm you are Peri/Menopausal . A blood test is advised to confirm premature ovulation insufficiency under the age of 40 years old. This can be discussed during your consultation.

Question 12

If I am still having periods can I take HRT ?

Accepted Answer

Yes you can start HRT whilst still having periods.

Question 13

Can I use HRT if I am over- weight?

Accepted Answer

Yes you can use HRT but it should be as a patch, gel or spray (transdermal).

Question 14

What age should I consider treatment for menopause symptoms?

Accepted Answer

There is no arbitrary age limit for initiating treatment. 
Menopause can affect women at different ages. Usually starting during the mid forties. However, its important to note that some women may experience symptoms earlier. If you start noticing symptoms such as irregular periods, hot flushes. night sweats, or mood changes, it's a good idea to consult with a menopause specialist.

HRT treatment is advised for women with an early or premature menopause below the age of 45. This is to ensure symptoms relief, bone protection, cardiovascular health protection and cognitive benefits.

We understand the diverse needs of women going through this transition and aim to provide a supportive environment where you can explore various treatment options and strategies for managing menopause symptoms. At Llyn Menopause we are dedicated to offering personalized care to help you navigate this stage of life with comfort and confidence.

Question 15

Is it ever too late to seek help ?

Accepted Answer

Starting HRT within 10 years of the menopause before the age of 60 may offer you a better long term health for menopause, however it's never too late to consider help and this is an individualised discussion to see if menopause is still affecting you.

Question 16

Do I have to stop HRT when I am 55 years old ?

Accepted Answer

No - There is no time limit on HRT use, however, you do need an annual review.

Question 17

Do most women experience Menopause Symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Most women experience some symptoms around the time of the menopause. In fact, around          75–80% of women will have menopause-related symptoms, though these can vary widely from person to person and may depend on individual circumstances.

When menopause happens suddenly due to medical or surgery menopause, symptoms can appear more abruptly and may be more intense or troublesome.

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