YOUR PERIMENOPAUSE CHEAT SHEET

What is it? The transition from having a regular menstrual cycle to the menopause (when you have your final period). During this time, your oestrogen levels begin to fluctuate and gradually reduce.

What are the symptoms? It’s a fairly lengthy list, including hot flushes, night sweats, changes in mood, irregular periods, heavy bleeding or much lighter periods, vaginal dryness or atrophy, loss of libido, weight gain, itchy skin, aching muscles or joints and fatigue.

How do you get diagnosed? You don’t need to be formally diagnosed by your GP if the symptoms match up and you fall within the expected age group – although you should seek medical support if the symptoms are affecting your quality of life. NICE guidelines only recommend diagnosis by blood test if a doctor has reason to believe you might be going through early menopause, rather than perimenopause.

When does it start?

On average, around the age of 45 – but it can be much earlier or later. Asking your mum, as well as the women in your dad’s family, when theirs started is often a good predictor.

How long does it last? Typically, between two and seven years, but it can last up to 15 years or be over in a matter of months. How is it treated?

The most effective way to treat symptoms is hormone replacement therapy. Symptoms can also be managed through changes to diet and exercise. Some women turn to the herbal remedy black cohosh as an alternative to HRT, although scientists are yet to find conclusive evidence that it can relieve menopause symptoms. Moisturisers, lubricants, or vaginal oestrogen can help ease vaginal dryness and discomfort.