How to recognise the menopause

It is not easy to diagnose the perimenopause using blood tests because your hormone levels can yo-yo about for several years before periods finish. After your last period there are two hormones commonly used to indicate that it has happened - LH and FSH. These are very high once oestrogen levels are low. Menopausal symptoms are caused by changes in levels of oestrogen, mainly produced by your ovaries but some is made in fatty tissue and the adrenal glands.

Changes to your menstrual cycle
Only about 10 per cent of women stop menstruating suddenly. You may have irregular bleeding for some time before periods stop altogether, and you may notice more or less frequent bleeds. These bleeds may be heavier or lighter than you have previously experienced; you may be worried that there is another cause for the changes in your periods so do not hesitate to seek medical advice.

Common symptoms
Around 75 per cent of women experience hot flushes, night sweats and heat intolerance and these can predate the menopause. In most cases they settle in a couple of years but women can experience hot flushes for many years. They are often the reason for seeking treatment with HRT, which is extremely effective at relieving this problem.