GP SUPPORT

Talking to your GP is very important to manage symptoms and find the best approach and treatment plan for you, the most common being Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).

HRT can be an effective treatment for most  going through menopause and perimenopause. It involves using oestrogen to replace your body's own levels around the time of the menopause.

If you have a womb (uterus) you also need to take progesterone to protect your womb lining from the effects of oestrogen. Taking both oestrogen and progesterone is called combined HRT. Your doctor can discuss all the benefits and risks with you.

If HRT does not help restore your sex drive, you might be offered a testosterone gel or cream. It can help improve sex drive, mood and energy levels.

Fertility declines significantly as ovulation becomes irregular and egg quality decreases, though it remains possible until menopause (12 months without a period) so you should have a plan for contraception or consider a fertility assessment/treatment if you are trying to conceive.

There are also non-hormone treatments to consider  if your symptoms are having a big impact on your life and you cannot, or choose not to, have HRT. There are some medicines that can help with hot flushes and night sweats.

Lifestyle changes focus on exercise, stress management, strength training, relaxation techniques, getting good quality sleep, avoiding  alcohol, caffeine, smoking.

Cognitive behavioural therapy is a brief, non-medical approach that can be helpful for a range of health problems, including anxiety and stress, being depressed and help navigate some of the synptoms like hot flushes and night sweats, sleep problems and tiredness. CBT helps people to develop methods of managing problems and find new coping skills. Your GP can refer you or help you find your talking therapy specialist.Cognitive behavioural therapy is a brief, non-medical approach that can be helpful for a range of health problems, including anxiety and stress, being depressed and help navigate some of the symptoms like hot flushes and night sweats, sleep problems and tiredness. CBT helps people to develop methods of managing problems and find new coping skills. Your GP can refer you or help you find your talking therapy specialist.