Perimenopause
Perimenopause symptoms can start as early as a womans 30's and last from a few months to several years. Contrary to popular belief, hormone replacement therapy is a safe and effective treatment option for women experiencing perimenopause.
Our patients visit us from all across the country and we have helped over 5000 women overcome and manage symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. We provide in-clinic, video and telephone consultations at a convenient time to suit you.
Led by Dr. Helen Fawcett and Dr. Joanne Horgan, our team of doctors are accredited specialists and members of The British Menopause Society (BMS) and many hold the Advanced Certificate for Menopause Care, which ensures you receive up-to-date treatment and care backed up by the latest research for menopause and perimenopause.
As a patient of the clinic, you receive an individual treatment plan developed for your symptoms, including tailored hormone replacement therapy (HRT) plans that may include oestrogen, testosterone, and progesterone (if suitable for you).
Our specialist care includes help and treatment for women with more complex needs, such as high-risk cancer genes and premature ovarian insufficiency.
We also believe in a holistic approach to perimenopause and menopause care, and our team includes experts in weight management, nutrition support, reflexology, acupuncture, and cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)
These services are particularly useful for patients who are unable to, or do not wish to consider hormone replacement therapy.
We refer directly for Mona Lisa Touch Therapy for patients who cannot / do not want to take oestrogen to help with vaginal atrophy and stress incontinence.
What is perimenopause?
Perimenopause is a phase which most women experiencing a natural menopause will go through for 5 -10 years before their last period.
It is a transitional phase that signifies the onset of menopause. Menopause is defined as not having had a period for one entire year. Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause when the female body starts to experience several physical and emotional changes. Some women do not have perimenopause, for example, due to surgical menopause, such as removal of the uterus (hysterectomy).
Perimenopause can be medically defined as the time before menopause when the ovaries start to produce less oestrogen. Oestrogen is a hormone that regulates the menstrual cycle, and its decline results in irregular periods, hot flushes, and several other physical and emotional symptoms related to menopause.
Contrary to popular belief, hormone replacement therapy is a safe and effective treatment option for women experiencing perimenopause.
The average duration of perimenopause is about four years, but some women can experience perimenopause for up to ten years before menopause.
Symptoms of perimenopause
- Low mood – it is known that low mood can commence as the hormones start to change and may well appear 10 years prior in the run up to menopause
- Mood disturbance – Mood swings are very common as Oestrogen levels drop
- Anxiety – is a common problem for patients with hormone imbalance
- Disrupted sleep – Waking and feeling like you have hardly slept is often a result of low testosterone
- Hot flushes
- Fatigue
- Lack of libido – Sensation as much as desire can be subdued due to low testosterone levels
- Aches & Pains – Patients often complain that they have aches and pains in joints. Due to low oestrogen levels the joints are less supple and lubricated
- Urinary Symptoms – Incontinence – this embarrassing and sometimes debilitating symptom can be helped with Oestrogen replacement.
- Other less known symptoms include: Persistent cough / restless legs / loss of mojo / paranoid feelings / loss of confidence / reduced memory concentration / disorientated – out of body feeling / clumsy / weight gain especially in the abdominal area / dizzy spells / spots / increased facial hair / bloating / abdominal pain / constipation and irritable bowl / snoring / shortness of breath / varicose & thread veins / skin discolouration / chest pain on exertion / fluid retention / breast tenderness / crawling skin / cold hands & feet / headaches / poor wound healing / dry itchy eyes / blurred vision / dry itchy ears / nose bleeds / eczema
How to diagnose perimenopause
The diagnosis of perimenopause is usually based on a woman’s symptoms.
We also suggest blood tests for all new patients. This provides us with a baseline hormone profile that can be reviewed and future improvements monitored along with symptom control.
A menopause specialist may also suggest a physical examination to rule out any other underlying health conditions.
Best treatment options for perimenopause
Treatments can help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of health problems.
Some of the most effective treatments include hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and lifestyle changes.
HRT involves taking hormones to replace those that are lost during perimenopause. HRT can help reduce hot flushes and night sweats, as well as other symptoms.
Lifestyle changes, such as getting regular exercise, reducing alcohol intake, quitting smoking, and eating a healthy diet can also help manage perimenopause symptoms.
Hormone replacement therapy for perimenopause
HRT involves taking hormones to replace the hormones that are lost during perimenopause.
The most common HRT medications are oestrogen and progesterone but some women may also benefit from taking testosterone.
Oestrogen is used to replace the hormones that the ovaries are producing in smaller amounts, which helps reduce symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats. Progesterone is used to counteract the effects of oestrogen on the uterus.
Benefits of HRT for perimenopause
HRT has several benefits, including improving mood, and lessening anxiety. Oestrogen pessaries and creams can also improve vaginal dryness, making sex less painful.
Find the best solution for you
If you are not sure what treatments are for you then search your current symptoms to find the right treatment for you.
Regulated by The Care Quality Commission
A modern and private independent healthcare clinic focusing on feMale health. We operate by appointment only to ensure a discreet and confidential service for our patients.
The British Menopause Society
Not all clinics and doctors are recognised as specialists by The British Menopause Society (BMS), the authority for menopause and post-menopausal health in the UK.
