BMS menopause guidance: what patients should know

The organisation develops educational material for health professionals, while its patient-facing arm provides information for people navigating menopause. Its guidance can help explain symptoms and treatment choices, but recommendations written for UK practice do not replace an assessment by a clinician in the UAE.

Menopause is reached after menstrual periods have stopped for twelve months because ovarian hormone production has changed. The transition beforehand is called perimenopause. Hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, sleep disruption, mood changes and lower sexual desire can occur, although the pattern and impact differ from person to person.

Use BMS material to prepare for a consultation rather than to select or alter treatment on your own. Record your bleeding pattern, sleep, temperature symptoms, vaginal or urinary discomfort, mood and the effect on daily life. Bring a list of medicines, supplements, previous operations and relevant medical conditions.

Treatment is matched to the symptoms that trouble you and your personal health profile. Options may include lifestyle adjustments, hormone replacement therapy, non-hormonal medicines, vaginal moisturisers or lubricants, and local vaginal oestrogen. The appropriate choice depends on factors such as whether you have a uterus, migraine history, clotting concerns, hormone-sensitive cancer history and other medicines.

Arrange a prompt medical assessment for any vaginal bleeding after menopause, including light spotting or brown discharge. Bleeding that becomes very heavy, or bleeding accompanied by fainting, marked dizziness, severe pelvic pain or shortness of breath, needs urgent care.

Book a routine appointment if symptoms disrupt sleep, work, relationships or sexual comfort, or if you are unsure whether changes are due to menopause. New pelvic pressure, a vaginal bulge, persistent urinary symptoms or unexpected bleeding should be assessed rather than attributed to menopause without an examination.

Ask which symptoms fit perimenopause or menopause, whether another cause needs checking, and which treatment targets your main concern. If hormone therapy is being considered, ask which formulation and route suit your medical history, what side effects warrant contact, and how follow-up will be arranged.

You can also ask whether a pelvic examination or other evaluation is appropriate for vaginal, urinary or prolapse symptoms, and which local patient resources align with care available in the UAE.