What is menopause?

Menopause is a natural process that happens to women. It marks the end of periods. Usually, we mark it after they have 12 consecutive months with no periods. It usually happens due to a decline in the reproductive function of the ovaries.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

Symptoms of menopause overlap a lot with perimenopause; however, they are more intensified. So, women can have night sweats, hot flushes, hair loss and mood swings. Also, there will be some vaginal dryness and urinary problems. Some women will have their cognitive function affected by the menopause in the form of memory loss and brain fog.

When does menopause start?

Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman's reproductive period. We mark it by having 12 consecutive months of no periods. Menopause happens due to a decline in the ovaries producing hormones.

Is there a test for menopause?

Menopause is usually diagnosed on clinical symptoms. However, there are some blood tests that support diagnosis of the menopause. These tests include FSH, which is follicular stimulating hormone, and oestrogen levels. Having a high level of FSH and low oestrogen level support the diagnosis of menopause.

How long does menopause last?

So, the duration of the perimenopause and the menopause varies significantly, but women can have the symptoms up to seven to ten years.

Can periods restart after menopause?

You should not have any periods after the menopause and any bleeding after the menopause should be reported to your GP.

Can I get pregnant after menopause?

Natural pregnancy is not possible after the menopause. And this is due to the cessation of the ovarian function.

What signals the end of menopause?

Menopause in itself is a point in time. The phase after the menopause is called the Postmenopause. Usually during that time, the symptoms gradually improve. The woman can have the symptoms for four to five years after the menopause. Sometimes the symptoms of vaginal dryness and neurological problems can stay for longer.

As a woman ages, her ovaries stop producing eggs and oestrogen, so menstrual periods become less frequent until they stop completely. You’re said to be in menopause when you haven’t had a period for 12 months.

Menopause can happen at any age but is most common in women between 45-55 years of age, according to the NHS website.

Apart from your periods stopping, the most common symptoms of the menopause include hot flushes, night sweats, difficulty sleeping, loss of sex drive, problems with memory and concentration (often known as ‘brain fog’), vaginal dryness, joint pain, osteoporosis, and stress incontinence.

Our guide provides more information on these and other menopause symptoms.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

HRT is the most popular menopause treatment. HRT replaces oestrogen (and sometimes progesterone), which is depleted during the menopause. Oestrogen comes either as skin patches, a gel or spray, implants or tablets and progesterone comes as patches - sometimes combined with the oestrogen patch - an intrauterine system (IUS) or coil or in tablet form.

Testosterone gel for reduced libido

If HRT doesn’t improve your sex drive, you may be offered a testosterone cream or gel. This can be used alongside your HRT.

Treatments for vaginal dryness

If your vagina becomes dry, painful, or itchy as a result of the menopause, an oestrogen cream, tablet or ring inserted into your vagina may help with dryness and any other urinary symptoms. You can use these medications alongside your HRT.

If these treatments aren't successful, MonaLisa Touch® - a low powered laser treatment – could also help (see below for more on this procedure).

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

If you suffer with low mood or anxiety, CBT may help. CBT is a talking therapy which is available on the NHS or through self-help channels such as online CBT courses.

If CBT isn’t your thing, ask for help from friends and family and - if you’re working - from your manager and colleagues.

Lifestyle changes

A good diet, plenty of rest, regular exercise and keeping an eye on your mental wellbeing can all help you manage the symptoms of menopause.

Private GP service

Our experienced private GPs offer a 25-minute face-to-face appointment in our comfortable and discreet outpatient rooms.

They can discuss any concerns you have about the physical and emotional symptoms of the menopause and arrange prescriptions as well as tests and scans or follow-up appointments with the private GP service or with our expert gynaecological Consultants.

MonaLisa Touch® for vaginal dryness and discomfort

If your vagina becomes dry, painful or itchy as a result of the menopause and vaginal oestrogen treatment or over-the-counter vaginal moisturisers or lubricants aren't successful, we offer MonaLisa Touch®; a gentle low power laser treatment for vaginal dryness or pain.

Treatment for urgency and urge incontinence

Stress incontinence – a leakage of urine when you laugh, cough, sneeze or during exercise - is a common condition experienced during the menopause. It’s caused by hormone changes which weaken the pelvic floor and occurs increasingly as you get older.

We offer help and advice on dealing with stress incontinence, including lifestyle changes, pelvic floor exercises and – if these adjustments don’t work - bladder training and advice and other treatments including Botox in the bladder.

Treatment for osteoporosis

Our Rheumatology service offers consultations if you’re experiencing ongoing aches and pains in your joints during the menopause. They may suggest HRT or supplements to help treat the condition.

You can find out more about the cost of the treatment for the symptoms of menopause by contacting us via Live Chat, calling our Private Patient team on 01580 363158 or by completing our online enquiry form.