Menopause: What You Need to Know

How Menopause Is Diagnosed

For many people, menopause becomes clear through its symptoms, irregular periods, hot flushes, mood swings or disrupted sleep. If you’re unsure or concerned about any changes, it’s always best to speak with your GP or a qualified healthcare professional.

In most cases, formal tests aren’t required to diagnose menopause. However, sometimes blood tests may be recommended to check levels of:

• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and Oestrogen (estradiol) – During menopause, FSH tends to rise as oestrogen drops. However, because these hormone levels fluctuate naturally during perimenopause, the results aren’t always definitive.
• Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) – This test helps rule out an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), which can mimic menopause symptoms.

You can also check FSH levels at home with our Check My Wellbeing test kits, available without a prescription. These offer an indication of whether you’re in perimenopause or menopause. However, it’s worth noting that because FSH naturally rises and falls, no home test can give a complete diagnosis on its own.

Managing Menopause: Treatment Options

Menopause itself doesn’t require treatment, but symptoms can be managed in various ways depending on your needs and lifestyle. Treatment goals often focus on easing discomfort and reducing long-term health risks associated with ageing, such as osteoporosis.

Medical Treatments

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

• Oestrogen therapy is one of the most effective treatments for hot flushes and night sweats. It’s most suitable for those under 60 or within 10 years of menopause onset.
• If you still have your uterus, you’ll need combined HRT (Oestrogen and progestin) to protect against certain risks.
• While long-term HRT use carries some risk, many people benefit from it when it starts around the time menopause begins. Please talk with your doctor about whether it’s right for you.

Vaginal Oestrogen

• It helps relieve vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse. Available as creams, rings or tablets.

Prasterone (Intrarosa)

• A DHEA-based vaginal insert that helps reduce dryness and pain.

Antidepressants (SSRIs/SNRIs)

• Low-dose antidepressants can reduce hot flushes, especially in those who can’t take HRT or have mood-related symptoms.

Gabapentin or Clonidine

• Initially used for other conditions (seizures and high blood pressure, respectively), these can offer relief from hot flushes but may come with side effects.

Fezolinetant (Veozah)

• A non-hormonal option that targets the brain’s temperature regulation. It has been approved in some countries but may not be widely available in the UK yet.

Osteoporosis medications and Vitamin D

• Your GP might prescribe these to maintain bone strength and reduce the risk of fractures.

Ospemifene (Osphena)

• Taken orally to treat painful intercourse caused by vaginal thinning. It is not suitable for those with a history of breast cancer.

Everyday Lifestyle Tips

Menopause symptoms can often be managed with simple changes to your routine. Here are some evidence-backed strategies:

Cool hot flushes: Dress in layers, use a fan, and avoid common triggers like spicy food, caffeine, or alcohol.

Ease vaginal dryness: Use over-the-counter water or silicone-based lubricants and moisturisers.

Get quality sleep: Avoid caffeine, limit screen time at night, and keep your bedroom cool.

Relax and de-stress: Techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or massage can help you cope more effectively.

Strengthen your pelvic floor: Kegel exercises can help with urinary symptoms.

Eat well: A balanced diet supports your overall health. Include calcium and vitamin D-rich foods, or speak to your GP about supplements.

Stay active: Regular exercise reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis and can lift your mood.

Quit smoking: It not only brings on earlier menopause but also increases health risks and intensifies symptoms.

Alternative & Complementary Options

There’s growing interest in natural and alternative remedies, but the evidence is mixed. Here’s what we know so far:

• Phytoestrogens (found in soy, flaxseed, and chickpeas) may have a mild estrogen-like effect but have not been proven to ease symptoms significantly.
• Bioidentical hormones: Sometimes marketed as more “natural,” but not necessarily safer or more effective than standard HRT.
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can reduce the emotional impact of symptoms and improve quality of life.
• Herbal supplements, such as black cohosh, evening primrose oil, or dong quai, are popular but not proven effective, and some can be harmful. Always speak with your GP before trying any supplement.

Preparing for a Doctor’s Appointment

If you’re considering speaking to your GP, a bit of preparation can help:

• Keep a symptom diary: Record when symptoms occur and their severity.
• Bring a list of current medications or supplements.
• Write down any questions you’d like to ask.
• Consider bringing a friend or family member for support.

Sample questions you might ask:

• What tests or investigations do I need?
• What are my options for symptom relief?
• Are there any non-hormonal treatments?
• Are there lifestyle changes or supplements that might help?

We’re Here to Support You

At Check My Wellbeing, we’re committed to helping people across the UK take control of their health, menopause included. Whether you’re looking for home hormone tests or helpful wellbeing insights, we’re here to provide safe, discreet and easy-to-understand tools to support you through every stage of life.

Explore our menopause and hormone test kits today.

Empowering you to feel your best every day.