Menopause: The Journey and The Destination

Key Information:

Clarifying the Terms: Many women feel confused by the medical language used around this topic. Let’s simplify it.

Menopause: This is actually just one day. It is the destination. The day you have gone exactly one full year without a period.
Perimenopause: This is the journey before that day. Think of it as the “Storm.” This is when periods change and symptoms (eg hot flushes, brain fog, mood swings) begin.

Why No Blood Test?:

One of the most common questions we get is, “Can I have a blood test to check?”. If you are over 45, the answer is usually no.

The Science: Think of your hormones during perimenopause like a rollercoaster. They do not just drop. They go up and down wildly every day.

The Snapshot: Taking a blood test is like taking a single photo of that rollercoaster.

If we take the photo at the bottom, levels look “menopausal.”
If we take it at the top, levels look “normal.”

The Diagnosis: Neither photo tells the truth. We treat you, not a piece of paper. The “Gold Standard” for diagnosis is your experience (for example, being over 45 + irregular periods + symptoms).

Preparing for Your Appointment: 3 Steps

If you are struggling and want to discuss treatment (like HRT), we need you to do three things before you contact us. This makes sure we can use your appointment time to plan treatment rather than just doing checks.

Check Your Blood Pressure: We cannot prescribe HRT without a recent reading. Please use a home machine or the pod in our waiting room.

Check Height and Weight: This helps us determine which type of HRT is safest for you.

Complete a Symptom Checker: Please fill in the questionnaire linked below and have it ready. You do not need a lab report to prove you are suffering. Your experience is the proof.

Menopause Symptom Score

Menopause: The Journey and The Destination

Key Information:

Why No Blood Test?:

Preparing for Your Appointment: 3 Steps

What Happens Next?

Further Information