The menopause facts
Menopause testing is key
The information you learn could make all the difference in the world
By taking a menopause test you can make smart and informed choices helping to you understand how to be proactive and manage perimenopause and managing symptoms.
important things you should know
Questions And Answers
For most women the menopause starts between 45 and 55 years of age, averaging at 51. But around 1 in 100 women experience the menopause before 40 years of age.
It’s worth talking to your doctor or menopause expert if you have menopausal symptoms that are troubling you or if you’re experiencing symptoms of the menopause before 45 years of age.
Our blood test can help to confirm whether you’re menopausal by measuring your hormone levels.
Perimenopause means “around menopause” and refers to the time during which your body makes the natural transition to menopause, marking the end of the reproductive years. Perimenopause is also called the menopausal transition. Women start perimenopause at different ages.
Some women with premature ovarian insufficiency (also known as premature ovarian failure) occurs when the ovaries stop functioning normally before age 40.
Sometimes women may still have periods and may even get pregnant. But many who have this condition have trouble getting pregnant. That’s usually what prompts a visit to the doctor.
The most common symptoms of premature ovarian failure are missed or infrequent periods.
The main symptom is when periods becoming infrequent or stop altogether. Some women may also experience other typical menopausal symptoms such as:
- hot flushes
- night sweats
- vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex
- difficulty sleeping
- low mood or anxiety
- reduced sex drive (libido)
- problems with memory and concentration
Suggested lifestyle changes if you have severe menopausal symptoms that interfere with your day-to-day life.
These include:
- hormone replacement therapy (HRT) – tablets, skin patches, gels and implants that relieve menopausal symptoms by replacing oestrogen
- vaginal oestrogen creams, lubricants or moisturisers for vaginal dryness
- cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – a type of talking therapy that can help with low mood and anxiety
- eating a healthy, balanced diet and exercising regularly – maintaining a healthy weight and staying fit and strong can improve some menopausal symptoms
If your symptoms do not improve after trying treatment or if you’re unable to take HRT, it would be advisable to speak to a menopause specialist for expert support.
- Eat a balanced diet with plenty of calcium.
- Exercise regularly.
- Embrace stress management techniques.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol.
- Get enough sleep.
Our fertility navigators and experts are here to help with managing symptoms. Our dedicated menopause site emmemagazine.com is also here to support and guide all those experiencing issues around this sometimes debilitating phase of life.
For more information and guidance on ways to manage the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, head over to emmemenopause.com an online resource created by the founders of Babble Health and IVFbabble.com
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