​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.

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 affects approximately 1–2% of 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.

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

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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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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

• 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

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.

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

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.

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.

Yes you can start HRT whilst still having periods.

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

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.

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.

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

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.