Help for a complete newbie

[stargirl1701]

I'm 45 years old. I really know very little about the menopause. I understand it means periods stopping and a key symptom is hot flushes.

Where should I start looking for info and which books would you recommend reading?

I was part of conversation at a barn party last Sat and I realised my knowledge is woefully lacking.

Hoping someone comes along to help soon OP! I am 41 and there's such a lot of talk about it at the moment but I'm not really sure what I'm supposed to be looking out for, or how to prepare. When do you see a GP for example?
I'm worried I'm going to stop being able to cope at work, and I'm just preparing for a big step up.
Sorry, I'm in the same boat as you!

There's an app called health and her that's useful to track symptoms etc.

And the Davina documentaries are good. I started suspecting peri-menopause when my periods became irregular. Didn't have one for three months at the start of last year, luckily pregnancy tests were negative (PHEW!!!).
I spoke to the doctor in October and am on HRT patches now. Jury is still out on whether they are helping!

I'm not really sure what I'm supposed to be looking out for, or how to prepare. When do you see a GP for example?

You don't need to see a GP. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Surely you do if you want HRT?

There are many many symptoms, and not everyone gets hot flushes.
Id suggest you watch the Davina documentary, Google the symptoms of peri menopause, and read the NICE guidelines for HRT.
Not everyone goes down the HRT route, there are other things you might want to try first.

So much info online op, no need for books. Read threads on this board for starters.

In a nutshell hormones fluctuate from 40 onover then nosedive completely causing various issues for different women. It can be mood changes, sleep issues, sweating problems. Loads of stuff.

Just be aware and be forewarned. Start by addressing diet and exercise, the more physical activity you have the better you sleep. Limit caffeine and booze as again, this will affect your sleep. Some folk go straight for sleeping meds but try the obvious things first.

Obviously see a hcp if you want to try hrt. You don't need to pay for private treatment it is all readily available on the nhs. Google hrt so you have some understanding of risks v benefits, the safest is body identical oestrogel and utrogestan but studies are very limited with nothing currently being undertaken so it is hard to be 100% informed tbh.

The OP doesn't say she has hot flushes.

That’s not the only reason people take HRT

You quoted part of my post where I asked when do you see a GP.

You said you don't need to see a GP.

My response about HRT wasn't really specifically about the OPs symptoms.

Surely there are menopause symptoms that you would seek a GPS advice about. To be honest hot flushes wasn't at the forefront of my mind. More issues with mood, feeling depressed etc.