Perimenopause and Menopause by

Emotional Wellbeing

lfilby — 2024-05-10 13:01:04 UTC

The menopause and per-menopause can be an emotionally challenging time and can affect those around you too. It is important to think about supporting your emotional wellbeing and this fact sheet explains more about how you can do this.

Getting the most from your GP appointment

lfilby — 2024-05-10 13:01:04 UTC

Tips to help you get the most out of that first appointment!

Support for Premature Menopause

lfilby — 2024-05-10 13:04:43 UTC

If your periods stop prior to you turning 40 you will be considered to have had a premature menopause. This is also called premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). Follow the link to see support available via the Daisy Network

Sex and the Menopause

lfilby — 2024-05-10 13:08:35 UTC

Menopause and peri-menopause does not mean the end of your sex life! You can still have an active, enjoyable and fulfilling sex life, this video explains how!

What is the menopause?

lfilby — 2024-05-10 13:08:49 UTC

The menopause occurs when your periods stop due to changes in hormone levels. It usually affects women between the ages of 45 and 55, but it can happen earlier.

Early menopause is when periods stop between the ages of 40 and 45 and premature menopause occurs when periods stop before the age of 40.

Many women experience symptoms before their periods stop completely and this time is known as the perimenopause. Symptoms can start up to 10 years before periods stop!

What is the perimenopause?

lfilby — 2024-05-10 13:09:04 UTC

The perimenopause is the whole duration of time from when you first start having menopausal symptoms and – for most people – periods start to change, right up to the ‘menopause’ point in time. It might just be months but for the majority, perimenopause lasts for many years.

Contraception and the peri-menopause

lfilby — 2024-05-10 13:13:29 UTC

Can I still get pregnant during my perimeopause? The simple answer is YES! Take a look at this fact sheet which explains more about contraception and the menopause.

Menopause and Diet

lfilby — 2024-05-10 13:19:07 UTC

Menopause Food Fact Sheet

lfilby — 2024-05-10 13:20:41 UTC

Many women struggle to manage their weight in the peri-menopause and menopause. This Fact Sheet provides information on how you can adapt your diet to help ensure you are still getting all the nutrients you need.

Bone Health

lfilby — 2024-05-10 13:34:15 UTC

Oestrogen is an important part of bone health. As the menopause approaches, the levels of oestrogen in the body fall and this can lead to loss of bone density and in some cases, osteoporosis. This leaflet explains how you can keep your bones healthy (with and without HRT).

Peri-menopause, menopause and post-menopause put simply

lfilby — 2024-05-10 13:35:58 UTC

How hormones change throughout life

lfilby — 2024-05-10 13:41:18 UTC

This picture explains how female hormones change throughout the course of life. As you can see, hormones fluctuate greatly in the peri-menopausal period. This is the cause of many of the symptoms experienced.

Risks and Benefits of HRT

lfilby — 2024-05-17 11:16:16 UTC

This podcast will guide you through the risks and benefits of HRT, allowing you to make an informed choice about what is right for you.

lfilby — 2024-05-17 11:34:29 UTC

Lifestyle change

emmarobinson92 — 2024-06-04 19:15:03 UTC

These interventions can help improve symptoms of the menopause without medication.

Menopause symptom scoresheet

emmarobinson92 — 2024-06-04 19:20:09 UTC

Print your answers and take to your GP appointment!

Menopause at Work

lfilby — 2024-06-06 12:39:07 UTC

This webpage has lots of other useful links that can help you to manage your menopause while working.

Weight Management in Menopause

lfilby — 2024-06-06 12:42:25 UTC

Changes in hormone levels can trigger weight changes around the time of the menopause. This can can have huge effects on self-confidence and self-esteem. This video explains why weight is gained and how you can adapt your lifestyle and nutrition to help maintain a healthy weight.

Cycle of Change

lfilby — 2024-06-21 12:27:07 UTC

This animated video explains, in the words of women, what perimenopause is and the symptoms they have experienced. It also talks about different treatments women have found helpful.

HRT Symptom Diary

lfilby — 2024-07-18 14:52:37 UTC

A handy diary sheet you can use to record your symptoms before and during treatment with HRT.

Why is Progesterone Important in HRT

lfilby — 2024-07-18 14:55:55 UTC

If you still have your womb and have not had a hysterectomy, then progesterone is a key part of your HRT and MUST be used alongside oestrogen. This article helps explain why!

What is HRT?

lfilby — 2024-07-18 14:58:45 UTC

This NHS article explains what HRT is and what forms of HRT are currently available. It also helps to explain the regimes of HRT and which might be suitable depending on whether you are still having periods or not.

Oestrogel - Information Sheet

lfilby — 2024-07-18 15:07:47 UTC

There are many ways of taking oestrogen as part of HRT, these include; gels, patches, sprays and tablets. This information leaflet explains how to use Oestrogel, which is a body identical oestrogen.

Utrogestan Information Sheet

lfilby — 2024-07-18 15:11:42 UTC

Progesterone is an important part of HRT for people who have a womb. It is available as patches or tablets. Utrogestan is a body identical progesterone tablet containing micronised progesterone. There are other progesterone products available. Different products contain different types of progesterone.

Alternatives to HRT

lfilby — 2024-07-18 15:14:48 UTC

HRT is not the only way of managing symptoms of the menopause and perimenopause. And for some women, HRT will not be a suitable or safe option. This link has further information about other options for managing symptoms

Vaginal Oestrogen

lfilby — 2024-07-18 15:19:51 UTC

Vaginal dryness and irritation can affect many women during their peri-menopause and menopause. Topical treatment can help relieve these symptoms. This link will explain more about treatment with vaginal oestrogen and when it might be used.

lfilby — 2024-08-27 10:18:44 UTC

'If you're looking for a good website with lots of written information then this website is a good starting point.

GP Dr Sophie explains menopause and HRT

lfilby — 2024-08-27 10:23:30 UTC

GP Dr Sophie explains what menopause is and also what HRT is and which options might be recommended and why. This video is only 10 mins long but explains all the key points you need to know if you are considering HRT as an option.

Myth Busting!

lfilby — 2024-08-27 10:27:40 UTC

This webpage discusses some of the myths associated with the menopause and explains why they are not the case!

Nutrition: The Happy Menopause Podcast Series

lfilby — 2024-08-27 10:31:03 UTC

This series of Podcasts discusses many issues around the menopause and peri-menopause and how diet and nutrition can play a part in alleviating symptoms.

What sort of HRT is right for me?

lfilby — 2024-08-27 10:57:05 UTC

The type of HRT you may be offered depends on a few factors including if you have had a hysterectomy and if you are still having periods. This simple flow chart will help you understand the type of HRT you might be offered if HRT is a suitable option for you.

Risks and Benefits of HRT

lfilby — 2024-08-27 11:03:21 UTC

This picture puts the risks and benefits of HRT in simple terms. Many women worry about the risks of HRT. It is important to discuss your risk with your GP as every person is different and the risks of taking HRT will be different for each individual.

Alternatives to HRT summary

lfilby — 2024-08-27 11:07:05 UTC

This summary sheet explains simply, what alternative options there are to HRT.

lfilby — 2024-08-27 11:08:01 UTC

A Guide for your Partner

lfilby — 2024-08-27 11:10:30 UTC

This short booklet explains the menopause and how your partner or loved ones can recognise and support you through this part of your life.

Menopause after Cancer

lfilby — 2024-08-27 11:15:03 UTC

The Eve Appeal is a charity supporting women who have had one of the 5 gynaecological cancers; ovarian, endometrial, cervical, vaginal and vulval cancers. This article discusses how women who have had these cancers can manage their menopause and ease symtpoms.

lfilby — 2024-08-27 11:17:30 UTC

The Maggie's website provides information on menopause and cancer, including what treatment options might be suitable depending on the type of cancer.

Menopause after Breast Cancer

lfilby — 2024-08-27 11:23:48 UTC

This article from Cancer Research explains why HRT might not be suitable for patients after breast cancer and what other options are available.

Menopause in the Workplace Guide

lfilby — 2024-08-27 11:27:47 UTC

A handy guide that provides information and tips on managing menopause at work. This also has tips and information for managers and employers on how they can and should support you.

What is Premature Menopause?

lfilby — 2024-08-27 12:23:39 UTC

Premature Menopause, also known as Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI), is when the menopause occurs in someone under the age of 40. This article explains why this can happen, how it is diagnosed and what treatment is available.

lfilby — 2024-08-27 12:24:37 UTC

Menopause and the Heart

lfilby — 2024-08-27 12:27:08 UTC

This article from the British Heart Foundation explains how the menopause can affect your heart health and also provides some information about taking HRT if you have a heart condition.

lfilby — 2024-08-27 12:27:51 UTC

Mental Health and the Menopause

lfilby — 2024-08-27 12:35:00 UTC

The menopause and peri-menopause can cause mental as well as physical health changes. It can also have an impact on pre-existing mental health conditions. Mental Health UK provides more information about this.

Rock My Menopause

lfilby — 2024-09-15 10:50:50 UTC

This is another fantastic website with loads of information and resources that can help with understanding your peri-menopuase/menopause.

Breast Cancer Risk and HRT

lfilby — 2024-09-15 11:16:51 UTC

This picture demonstrates the risk of breast cancer in women in a number of different scenarios. HRT can increase the risk of breast cancer for some women but so can other lifestyle choices. It is important to discuss your individual risk with your GP as other factors, such as family history, also need to be taken into account.

Contraception Choices

lfilby — 2024-09-15 11:20:01 UTC

There are many different forms of contraception out there and it is important to find a method that works for you. This website has information on all forms of contraception available and can help you to decide what might be best for you.

Mirena Coil

lfilby — 2024-09-15 11:32:21 UTC

The Mirena Coil can be used to protect the lining of the womb as part of HRT. Once in place, it can be used for up to 5 years as part of HRT. It is also licenced for use as contraception and to help with heavy periods too. This website explains more about the Mirena coil, how it is inserted and how it works. If inserted and used as part of HRT, oestrogen (patch, tablet, gel or spray) can then be prescribed to be used alongside the Mirena coil.

Lenzetto - Oestrogen spray

lfilby — 2024-09-15 11:35:59 UTC

This information leaflet explains more about Lenzetto; an oestrogen containing spray which is applied to the skin. If you still have a womb, you will also need progesterone to help protect the lining of the womb. This can be given as a tablet or by having a Mirena coil fitted.

Evorel Patches

lfilby — 2024-09-15 11:47:43 UTC

Evorel patches are available as a combined preparation with oestrogen and progesterone (evorel conti or Evorel Sequi) and also in different strengths containing only oestrogen. There are also other brands available containing oestrogen only and these include Estradot and FemSeven. If you still have a womb and decide to use oestrogen only patches, you will also need to protect the lining of your womb by taking a progesterone tablet or by having a Mirena coil fitted.

Prescription Prepayment Certificate

lfilby — 2024-09-15 11:53:17 UTC

You can now get a prescription prepayment certificate if you are taking HRT. This costs £19.80 for 12 months and will cover all of your HRT prescriptions within that 12 month period. You can buy a prescription prepayment for HRT by following this link.

Patches, tablets, coils, sprays... Where do I start?

lfilby — 2024-09-15 11:59:50 UTC

There are many options to choose from when deciding to take HRT to manage perimenopause/menopausal symptoms and this can seem overwhelming. It is important to find something that works for YOU. It can be a trial and error approach and you may find that you need to try a few different methods or products before you find what works best. Below is some information about some of the products available. There are many different brands and types available and these are only a few.

Testosterone Therapy

lfilby — 2024-10-08 13:57:11 UTC

You might have heard about the use of testosterone replacement for women in the menopause and peri-menopause. In the UK, testosterone may be prescribed 'off licence' as part of HRT for women who have Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) and in whom a trial of conventional HRT (oestrogen +/- progesterone) has not improved the symptoms of HSDD. This factsheet provides more information about testosterone therapy for women.

In some parts of the country, testosterone cannot be prescribed in primary care (e.g. in the GP setting) and as it is an 'off licence' treatment, you may need to be referred to a specialist menopause clinic if this is a treatment being considered for you. There are some GP's with a specialist interest in menopause and with more experience in prescribing testosterone that may prescribe this in the GP setting.

lfilby — 2024-10-08 14:09:49 UTC

Hello and welcome! My name is Dr Lorna Filby and I am a GP working in Mapperley, Nottingham. I have created this Padlet page as a 'one stop shop' for information relating to the menopause and perimenopause. After speaking to many women during my day to day work as a GP, I know how many questions there are about all aspects of the menopause and peri-menopause. I wanted to be able to direct women to good quality information without them needing to search the web for hours. I also appreciate that not everyone likes to read articles, with some people preferring to listen to podcasts or watch videos. Here, I have put together a selection of the most useful resources I have found and also some that have been recommended to me by my colleagues and patients. I hope you find this Padlet useful and that it empowers you to make the choices that are right for you!

Pelvic Floor Health

lfilby — 2026-05-13 14:08:30 UTC

Looking after your pelvic floor muscles is important at all stages of life but the perimenopause and menopause can be a time where there is weakening of these muscles. This can lead to bladder leaking. This leaflet explains how you can strengthen your pelvic floor with exercises. The 'Squeezy' App can be downloaded to your smartphone for a small one off fee and this also offers support (and reminders) with pelvic floor exercises.

Veoza

lfilby — 2026-06-09 11:51:56 UTC

Veoza (fezolinetant) is a new NON-HORMONAL medication that has just received NICE approval for use in the NHS. It has been approved for use for the treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms - put simply hot flushes and night sweats - in those in whom HRT is not suitable. It works by blocking receptors in the brain responsible for body temperature regulation. It is not suitable for all women and so a discussion will be required with your GP about this medication if you are considering it. It has only recently been approved by NICE and so it will take some time before it is available to be prescribed by your GP locally in Nottingham.