{"id":16166,"date":"2024-10-10T11:44:33","date_gmt":"2024-10-10T10:44:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ourdorset.org.uk\/women\/?page_id=16166"},"modified":"2026-02-07T10:06:19","modified_gmt":"2026-02-07T10:06:19","slug":"menopause","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ourdorset.org.uk\/women\/menopause\/","title":{"rendered":"Menopause"},"content":{"rendered":"

Menopause occurs when the female body makes fewer reproductive hormones and ultimately leads to periods stopping, although changes can occur in the years prior to this. This typically occurs between the age of 45 and 55.<\/p>\n

The time before, when you start to feel the changes of menopause and changes to your period is called the perimenopause. Both can lead to physical and mental health changes, which may affect various aspects of your life.<\/p>\n

Scroll down for more information or:<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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See an overview of menopause and perimenopause<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Find local services<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

What would you like to know?<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div>
About menopause<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Problems with menopause<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Local services<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

About menopause<\/h1><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

The perimenopause and menopause are different for everyone. As hormone levels fluctuate during this time, it is normal to experience a number of changes and symptoms.<\/p>\n<\/div>

Determining changes in your period can be difficult, which can make it harder to diagnose perimenopause or menopause. This is especially true if you’re taking a regular contraceptive pill, have a coil, or have had certain surgeries, like an endometrial ablation.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Understanding what to expect and exploring ways to manage your symptoms can help you navigate the menopause transition with confidence.<\/p>\n<\/div>

Explore recommended reading to get you started on your menopause journey by Rock My:<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i>Get informed – Rock My <\/span><\/a><\/div>
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<\/i>Myth-busting: Perimenopause vs menopause – Rock My <\/span><\/a><\/div>
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Common menopause symptoms <\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
HRT<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Self-help<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Black and ethnic minority women<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Your stories<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
LGBTQ+<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
How to live well<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>

A series of clinician-facing webinars have been held throughout 2024 and 2025 to support GPs to help women they see within their practice. All clinical staff are able to watch the recordings by accessing the secure area of the GP Alliance website<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Common menopause symptoms<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Menopause changes not only feel different for everyone but as there are over 30 symptoms it is sometimes hard to work out whether your particular experiences are down to menopausal changes.\u00a0 They usually start months or even years before you reach full menopause and can change over time.\u00a0 This is normal, but getting early advice and support from your GP or nurse<\/span> can help you to manage your health, relationships and work.<\/p>\n<\/div>

<\/i>Your essential guide to navigating menopause successfully – Menopause Support<\/span><\/a><\/div>
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<\/i>Learning disabilities and menopause: what support workers and family carers need to know – Balance<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Using a symptom tracker can help you recognise and note down your experiences in case you need help or advice from your doctor. You can download one here from Rock My:<\/p>\n<\/div>

<\/i>Your menopause symptom tracker – Rock My<\/span><\/a><\/div>
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Some of the common changes you might expect to experience:<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Brain fog and memory loss:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/i>Brain fog and memory difficulties in menopause – International Menopause Society <\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Vaginal dryness:<\/p>\n

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<\/i>Urogenital atrophy explained – A British Menopause Society video<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Aching joints and muscle pain:<\/p>\n

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<\/i>Joint pain – NHS<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Mood changes\/depression:<\/p>\n

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<\/i>Menopause and your mental wellbeing – NHS Inform<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Low libido:<\/p>\n

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<\/i>Low sex drive – NHS<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Hair loss\/thinning:<\/p>\n

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<\/i>Women and hair loss: coping tips – NHS<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Urinary tract infection (UTI):<\/p>\n

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<\/i>Urinary tract infections (UTIs) – NHS<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Irregular periods:<\/p>\n

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<\/i>Irregular periods – NHS<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Thrush:<\/p>\n

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<\/i>Thrush – Sexual Health Dorset<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Hot flushes\/night sweats:<\/p>\n

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<\/i>Night sweats – NHS<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Insomnia:<\/p>\n

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<\/i>Insomnia – NHS<\/span><\/a><\/div>
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