What Are Menopause And Perimenopause?
Perimenopause and menopause can be a challenging time for women. Changes in hormone levels can alter how we feel in our bodies, and troublesome symptoms can get in the way of everyday life. Â
As women age, the level of the hormone oestrogen in the body begins to decrease. This reduction causes a woman’s monthly periods to stop. Menopause usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. However, it can be triggered by surgery that has removed the ovaries or uterus and certain cancer treatments like chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Before periods stop completely, many women experience a change in their menstrual cycle. This is known as perimenopause and occurs when hormone levels start to drop. Perimenopause usually occurs in our early 40s, but some women can start experiencing symptoms in their 30s. Â
Menopause and perimenopause are a natural process, but the symptoms they cause can range from annoying to debilitating. Common symptoms include:
- Anxiety and depression
- Mood swings
- Memory problems, also known as ‘brain fog’
- Hot flushes
- Trouble sleeping
- Irregular periods
- Loss of libido
- Weight gain
- Dry and itchy skin
Testing For Menopause and Perimenopause
There are a range of effective treatments available to combat symptoms of menopause and perimenopause. Establishing whether you are going through either of these stages will give you the clarity you need to make the best decisions for you and your wellbeing.
When you book a menopause blood test or hormone test for perimenopause at our clinic, the initial consultation is a chance for our highly skilled doctors to find out more about you and your symptoms. We will also take your medical history into account.
A menopause blood test examines the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and oestrogen. High levels of FSH and low levels of oestrogen would indicate that you are experiencing menopause.
A perimenopause test also checks for hormone levels. However, perimenopause is a gradual process so can be difficult to identify with a single test. As well as a hormone test for perimenopause, we may ask you about your menstrual history. These questions may feel intrusive, but we only ask them to help us make the right diagnosis, so there is no need to be embarrassed.
Treatments Of Menopause and Perimenopause
Many women find hormone replacement therapy (HRT) helpful in managing their symptoms, as it replaces the hormones lost as they approach menopause.
HRT is not for everyone, and some women prefer supplement-based options like chamomile, evening primrose and red clover. There is also emerging evidence that CBD can relieve symptoms of menopause and perimenopause.
If you are struggling with symptoms caused by menopause or perimenopause, you are not alone. Our experienced and professional team are here to help you from testing, and diagnosis to personalised treatment that suits your needs.
Meet one of our doctors for a consultation to discuss your treatment options
Welcome to
Hannah London
We’re a team of aesthetic and medical specialists lead by Dr Kaywaan Khan. We provide award-winning facial, body and hair treatments to clients across London.
Our ethos is to offer cutting-edge treatments in a luxurious setting, ensuring that you leave our clinic feeling pampered and looking fabulous.
