Overwhelmed, exhausted, feeling a bit off?
Could this be perimenopause?
Written by Dr Selina Gray, Private GP with a specialist interest in Women’s Health and Lifestyle Medicine at Dr Helen Medical, Ringwood.
“I just don’t feel like myself.” It is something I hear surprisingly often in my consulting room. Sometimes periods have changed. But just as often, women describe waking at 3am, feeling unexpectedly anxious, struggling to find words or finishing the day completely exhausted.
With work, children and ageing parents competing for attention, it is easy to put these changes down to life. Perhaps you think you simply need a holiday.
Isn’t perimenopause about hot flushes?
They are common, but only part of the picture. Perimenopause is the stage leading up to menopause, when hormone levels change and fluctuate.
Oestrogen affects tissues throughout the body, including the brain, bones, skin and bladder. Symptoms can include brain fog, headaches, palpitations, joint and muscle aches, dry or itchy skin, changes in libido, vaginal dryness and urinary problems, alongside irregular periods, night sweats and changes in sleep or mood.
Every woman’s experience is different. You do not need every symptom.
Do I need a blood test?
For most otherwise healthy women aged 45 and over with typical symptoms, we can usually identify perimenopause from symptoms and menstrual history. Hormone tests are not routinely needed because levels fluctuate.
Further investigation may be appropriate if symptoms start earlier or another cause is possible. Significant fatigue, palpitations or changes in bleeding deserve assessment rather than automatically being blamed on hormones.
Should I consider HRT?
HRT can help many women, but I want to understand what is bothering you, your medical and family history, medication and concerns first.
Patches, gels, sprays and tablets offer different options. The choice depends on your symptoms, preferences, whether you have a uterus and individual risks. Some medical histories require specialist advice.
Alternatives include non-hormonal treatments and menopause-specific cognitive behavioural therapy. Vaginal oestrogen, moisturisers or lubricants may help intimate symptoms.
Sleep, movement, food, alcohol, stress and social connection matter too. But an exhausted woman does not need another enormous wellness to-do list.
When should I seek help?
You do not have to wait until your periods stop or symptoms become unbearable.
At Dr Helen Medical in Ringwood, our 45-minute menopause consultations give us time to listen, explore possible causes and discuss an approach that feels right for you.
Visit drhelenmedical.co.uk Or call 01202 022956
CONTACT
Tel. 01202 022 956
Email. info@drhelenallergy.co.uk
Address. Dr Helen Allergy & Dr Helen Medical, Endeavour House, Crow Arch Lane, Ringwood BH24 1HP
