What should you know about menopause?

Hormone changes may cause hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, lower sexual desire, mood changes, and disturbed sleep. Symptoms vary in type and intensity, and they may begin before periods have fully stopped. Menopause is usually identified from the pattern of symptoms and menstrual changes, although the assessment can differ when periods are altered by contraception, surgery, or another condition.

Vaginal dryness can cause soreness or discomfort with sex and may also affect urinary comfort. Pelvic floor changes can contribute to pelvic organ prolapse. These concerns are treatable conversations, not problems you need to tolerate silently.

Keep a record of bleeding, flushes, sleep, mood, vaginal symptoms, and how they affect daily life. Your clinician can discuss lifestyle measures, non-hormonal treatments, hormone therapy, vaginal treatments, and contraception where relevant. The right choice depends on symptoms, medical history, personal preferences, and whether the benefits fit your circumstances.

Use a water-based lubricant or vaginal moisturiser if dryness is uncomfortable, and mention persistent pain or urinary symptoms. Ask for help if low mood, anxiety, or poor sleep is affecting work, relationships, or safety.

Arrange medical assessment for bleeding after periods have stopped, bleeding that is unusually heavy or persistent, new pelvic pressure, or a vaginal bulge. Seek urgent help for chest pain, severe breathlessness, sudden weakness, or thoughts of harming yourself.

Do not assume every symptom is menopause. New symptoms, symptoms that rapidly worsen, or symptoms linked with another medicine or illness deserve a clinical review so other causes can be considered.

Do my symptoms fit perimenopause or menopause? Which treatments suit my health history? Do I still need contraception? What should I do about bleeding after periods stop? Could vaginal symptoms or pelvic pressure need a separate assessment?