It’s one of the most common questions I get asked: “Am I perimenopausal?”
It’s great we’re having more conversations about menopause, but there’s still some inaccurate information circulating particularly on social media.
Here are some of the myths. I’m not perimenopausal because…..
- I don’t have hot flushes (if you experience them, they tend to be a later symptom)
- I’m 32 (1% women experience menopause before they are 40)
- I still have regular cycle (you can still be perimenopausal)
First step
Download a free app “Balance”. This app encourages you to input symptoms and your cycle details. Then download the free report and take to your Doctor. They will diagnose perimenopause based on your symptoms.
Please request an appointment (or even a double appointment!) with the family planning Doctor. They are more specialised in menopause.
Ask for some blood tests to rule out other conditions. Iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and thyroid. Ask for a DEXA scan if you have family history of osteoporosis.
Doctor appointment
Take your Balance report plus any questions you’d like to ask. Brain fog is real!
Ask about the different menopause symptom management options. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is one of the options (and there’s a variety of HRT options too), you may want to ask about low-dose blood pressure medication or low-dose antidepressant medication for hot flushes (even if you don’t have high blood pressure or are struggling with mental health).
Don’t forget
Ask about possible side effects and when you should review any medications.
Please also don’t forget to book your mini health-check with your Doctor. It’s free. You should have been invited when you turn 40 and every 5 years thereafter….but often the invitation doesn’t get sent. So please remember to book it and not wait for the invitation. The test includes; cholesterol, blood glucose, and blood pressure. Remember, there are no signs of high cholesterol or blood pressure so don’t wait for them to arrive!
If you’d like further information, email me info@natural-alternative.co.uk about Menopause Awareness webinar/seminar for your workplace. We’ll discuss the signs and symptoms, the treatment options, and the mid-life checklist of all the things you should be asking your Doctor for.
