Do I Have Menopause?

This article has been written and medically approved by Pharmacist Conor McSorley GPhC Reg No. 2223070

Between 45 and 55 years, women’s oestrogen levels decline and periods start to become less frequent over months or years before they come to a complete stop. The average age for a women to reach menopause in the UK is 51, however, around 1% of women experience it before they reach 40 years of age.

Signs and Symptoms of Menopause

Hot flushes

Suddenly feeling hot and bothered lasting from 10 seconds to five minutes can be sign you are going through menopause. Often described as a sudden feeling of heat coming from nowhere and spreading around your whole body, you may experience sweating, palpitations and redness of the face.

Night sweats

Don’t panic, it is completely normal to wake up occasionally having sweat during the night particularly if the room or your bedding is making you too hot. However, waking up regularly in a pool of sweat where bedding and night clothes are soaking wet is a sign you should go to see your GP.

Vaginal dryness

As your oestrogen levels reduce, the vaginal tissue can be made to feel dry and irritated as a result of less natural lubrication. Less moisture can actually leave you at an increased risk of infection so speak to your GP or purchase a vaginal moisturiser such as Sylk.

Difficulty sleeping

Do you regularly find it hard to sleep, wake up multiple times, wake up early and struggle going back to sleep, find it hard to nap during the day even though you feel tired? You may have insomnia.

Low mood or anxiety

Many of the feelings you experienced during PMS while menstruating can show themselves while going through menopause. If you felt anger or sadness than these can lead to you finding yourself randomly bursting into tears or getting angrier quicker than usual.

Reduced sex drive

Due to the reduction in hormones, you may find yourself feeling less and less interested in sex.

Problems with memory and concentration

You are not alone. Almost 66% of women going through menopause struggle with memory and focusing.