Menopause

The menopause is when your periods stop due to lower hormone levels, it usually affects women between ages 45-55 but it can happen earlier. Perimenopause is when you have

symptoms of menopause, but your periods have not stopped. The perimenopause ends and you reach menopause when you have not had a period for 12 months.

Both menopause and perimenopause can cause symptoms like anxiety, mood swings, brain fog, hot flushes, and pain. These symptoms can start years before your periods stop and can carry on afterwards.

Menopause and perimenopause symptoms can have a big impact on your life, your mental health, work life and relationships.

Full symptoms can include:

· Hot flushes, when you have sudden feelings of hot or cold in your face, neck and chest which can make you dizzy.

· Difficulty sleeping, which may be a result of night sweats and make you feel tired and irritable during the day.

· Palpitations, when your heartbeats suddenly become more noticeable.

· Headaches and migraines that are worse than usual.

· Muscle aches and joint pains.

· Changed body shape and weight gain.

· Skin changes including dry and itchy skin.

· Reduced sex drive.

· Vaginal dryness and pain, itching or discomfort during sex.

· Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs).

· Sensitive teeth, painful gums or other mouth problems.

· Changes to your mood, like low mood, anxiety, mood swings and low self-esteem.

· Problems with memory or concentration (brain fog).