Perimenopause and menopause: guidance on symptoms and treatments

During Menopause Awareness Month in October, Lloyds Pharmacy Online Doctor published guidance from pharmacist Dr Sheena Bagga explaining how perimenopause differs from menopause, outlining common symptoms, treatments and self-care measures, and urging people to see a doctor if symptoms disrupt daily life. The guidance says perimenopause is the transitional phase that begins as oestrogen levels fluctuate and ends when a person has not had a period for 12 months, at which point menopause is considered to have started.

Dr Bagga said the first outward sign is often a change in menstrual patterns. "The first sign you may notice is that your periods may become irregular, which is a key indicator of the start of perimenopause," she said. Most people experience perimenopausal symptoms for around four years before periods stop, and some symptoms can continue after menopause is reached. Because periods continue during perimenopause, pregnancy remains possible until menstruation ceases.

The guidance lists a wide range of physical and mental symptoms that can occur during perimenopause and menopause. Physical signs include hot flushes, heart palpitations, difficulty sleeping, dry or itchy...