Q&A

This is the transition period right before menopause.

You may notice significant alterations in your menstrual cycle; periods can shift in intensity (heavier or lighter flow) and frequency (closer together or further apart). As hormone levels fluctuate during this phase, it's common for symptoms to change unpredictably from one day or week to the next.

Menopause is considered early between the ages of 40 and 45.

Menopause before age 40 is a specific condition called Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI), which impacts about 1 in 100 women. Due to the increased risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease associated with POI, hormone replacement is vital for long-term health protection.

This is the general term used to describe a stage in a woman's life when the ovaries stop producing eggs.. This is defined when menstrual periods have stopped for 12 consecutive months.  The average age in the UK is 51 years old.

Time in your life one day after the menopause when menstrual periods have stopped for 12 consecutive months 

Occurs when both ovaries have been surgically removed - know as bilateral oophorectomy.  This leads to a sudden onset of menopausal symptoms due to a decrease in oestrogen and testosterone level. 

This occurs when ovarian function is disrupted or permanently changed due to medical treatment, e.g. chemotherapy, radiotherapy or treatment for some other medical conditions.  There can also be other causes of an early or premature menopause.

After the age of 45 you do not need blood tests to confirm you are Peri/Menopausal.  A blood test is advised to confirm premature ovulations insufficiency under the age of 40 years old.  This can be discussed in your consultation.