Problems with menopause and help

If you are over 45 and experiencing menopause changes and symptoms, your doctor may wish to rule out any other conditions. If under 45 it is important to know for certain and blood tests may be required.

If you are experiencing menopause symptoms that are affecting your daily life, you can talk to your doctor to discuss the different ways you can manage your symptoms in ways that are right for you.

Talk to your doctor about your experiences of perimenopause and menopause. They can give you advice and help you make a plan to manage difficult changes. They can also rule out any other conditions that may be causing symptoms.

Your doctor may suggest prescription Hormone Replacement Therapy that can help with most menopause symptoms, such as hot flushes, mood swings and vaginal dryness. It can also help prevent weakening of the bones (osteoporosis).

Some other medications can help with difficult symptoms of the menopause like hot flushes and low mood. Talk to your doctor about other medicines that might be right for you.

Your doctor may suggest referring you to a specialist doctor or physiotherapist.

Specialist Doctor: Your doctor may refer you to a specialist doctor if you are experiencing particularly difficult symptoms that are not responding to standard treatment or your symptoms are particularly debilitating or complex, if you are unable to take HRT or your menopause has started early.

In Dorset, specialist services are provided by the Dorset Menopause Service run by University Hospitals Dorset.

Find your nearest NHS or private menopause specialist on the British Menopause Society website (this lists NHS and private specialists).

Dr Abbie Laing from Dorset Menopause Service talks about Menopause

Specialist Physiotherapy can help with some symptoms of the menopause such as losing control of bladder or bowel function or pelvic organ prolapse.

Your doctor may refer you to Dorset Mind’s Menopause Pathway as part of their Active Monitoring Programme.

The menopause usually happens naturally, but can start early if:

Talk to your doctor about treatment options if you start the menopause early. Early menopause can affect both your physical and mental health and will affect your ability to have a baby. You’ll also have a higher chance of developing conditions such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. The main treatment for early menopause is taking medicines such as the combined contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to replace your missing hormones.

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) explained – British Menopause Society

Complementary and alternative treatments, such as herbal remedies are not recommended for symptoms of the menopause or perimenopause. Compounded bioidentical (“natural”) hormones should be avoided. This is because it is not known how safe they are. They can also interact or interfere with other medications.