Which specialist treats menopause?

Menopause care may begin with a primary-care clinician, gynaecologist or doctor who focuses on midlife health. They can discuss changes in periods, hot flushes, night sweats, sleep, mood, vaginal symptoms and sexual health. The right clinician also considers your age, medical history, medicines and whether periods stopped after surgery or another treatment.

Treatment can be tailored rather than chosen from symptoms alone. Options include hormone replacement therapy, non-hormonal treatment and local vaginal oestrogen. Some people ask about testosterone therapy for women when low desire remains a concern.

Keep a short record of symptoms, cycle changes, sleep disruption, medicines and any personal or family health conditions. State whether you have a uterus, whether you have had hysterectomy or ovary surgery, and what matters most to you, such as sleep, concentration, intimacy or preventing symptoms from interrupting work.

Ask whether your pattern needs testing or whether the clinical history is enough. Bring a list of medicines and supplements so the clinician can check for interactions and discuss suitable routes of treatment.

Make an appointment when symptoms are affecting daily life or you want advice before periods stop. Seek prompt assessment for bleeding after menopause, very heavy or prolonged bleeding, a new breast change, chest pain, severe headache, leg swelling or sudden breathlessness. These symptoms need specific assessment and should not be attributed to menopause without review.

Ask whether your symptoms are consistent with menopause, what treatment choices fit your history, how benefits and side effects will be monitored, and what to do if symptoms return after stopping treatment. You can also ask about [Hormone Replacement Therapy](/treatments/menopause-and-hormone-therapy/hormone-replacement-therapy/).