Generally if you are experiencing signs and symptoms of menopause, for most women this is usually enough to tell that the menopausal transition has begun. However, we recommend booking in with our experienced professionals at Narangba Station Medical Centre to further evaluate. 

While tests typically aren’t needed to diagnose menopause, there are some circumstances where we may recommend blood tests to check your level of Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and oestrogen (estradiol), as FSH levels increase and estradiol decreases as menopause occurs. Additionally we may test your Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) because an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) may cause similar symptoms to those of menopause.

Most women in Australia reach menopause between the ages of 45 and 55. Perimenopause typically begins several years before menopause, often between the ages of 40 and 44.

Although the average age of menopause is 51, menopause can actually happen any time from the 30s to the mid-50s or later. 

Menopause can also happen for reasons other than natural reasons. These include:

• Premature menopause: Premature menopause may happen when there is ovarian failure before the age of 40. It may be associated with smoking, radiation exposure, chemotherapeutic drugs, or surgery that impairs the ovarian blood supply. Premature ovarian failure is also called primary ovarian insufficiency.
• Surgical menopause. Surgical menopause may follow the removal of one or both ovaries, or radiation of the pelvis, including the ovaries, in premenopausal women. This results in an abrupt menopause. These women often have more severe menopausal symptoms than if they were to have menopause naturally.

One of the most common symptoms of menopause and perimenopause, about 75% of all women experience hot flashes which are sudden, brief, periodic increases in their body temperature.

Usually hot flashes start before a woman’s last period and for 80% of women, hot flashes occur for two years or less. Although a small percentage of women may experience hot flashes for more than two years. These flashes seem to be directly related to decreasing levels of oestrogen and vary in frequency and intensity for each woman.

In addition to the increase in the temperature of the skin, a hot flash may cause an increase in a woman's heart rate. This causes sudden perspiration as the body tries to reduce its temperature. This symptom may also be accompanied by heart palpitations and dizziness.

Hot flashes that happen at night are called night sweats. A woman may wake up drenched in sweat and have to change her night clothes and sheets.

Hormone therapy has been shown to relieve some of the discomfort of hot flashes for many women. 

Perimenopause refers to the transitional period leading up to menopause, during which hormone levels fluctuate and women may begin to experience menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, irregular periods, and mood swings. Menopause is officially diagnosed when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. Once menopause has occurred, a woman is considered post-menopausal.

At Narangba Station Medical Centre, we offer a range of treatments to help manage menopause symptoms. These include hormone therapy (HRT), which can help alleviate symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, and non-hormonal treatments such as lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and prescription medications. We work closely with our patients to create personalised treatment plans tailored to their unique needs and health profiles.

Yes, the hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause and menopause can impact mental health. Some women experience mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and even depression.

The duration of menopause symptoms varies from woman to woman. While some women experience relief within a few years, others may continue to have symptoms for a decade or longer. The most common symptoms, like hot flashes and night sweats, typically improve over time, but some women experience lingering symptoms well into their postmenopausal years. We recommend discussing any ongoing concerns with our healthcare team to explore long-term management options.