Menopause & Perimenopause Support
Menopause and perimenopause are natural stages of life that affect every woman differently. Symptoms can begin months or even years before periods stop and may include hot flushes, sleep disturbance, low mood, anxiety, brain fog, joint pain and changes in periods. Accessing the right information and support can make a significant difference to wellbeing and quality of life.
What is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause when hormone levels begin to change. Periods may become irregular and symptoms can fluctuate. This stage can last several years.
What is Menopause?
Menopause is confirmed when a woman has not had a period for 12 months. Symptoms may continue afterwards, but effective treatments and lifestyle support are available.
Support, Advice and Reliable Information
We encourage patients to access trusted national resources for guidance, education and support:
- Menopause Support – Supporting You Through Change – provides clear information, workplace guidance, community support and education to help women navigate menopause confidently.
- The Menopause Charity – offers evidence-based medical information, symptom guidance, treatment options and practical resources to support women and healthcare professionals.
These organisations provide reliable, up-to-date information and can help you feel informed and supported when making decisions about your health.
Patient Resources: Information, Advice and Support
There is a wide range of trusted information available to help you understand menopause and perimenopause, recognise symptoms and explore the support and treatment options available.
We’ve brought together some useful resources from the NHS and specialist menopause organisations to help you find the information most relevant to you.
Understanding Menopause
- Understanding Menopause – free information booklet- Menopause-Support-Booklet-V2.pdf
A comprehensive guide to menopause, symptoms and treatment options. Available to download in several languages. - NHS: Menopause and perimenopause
Trusted information about what to expect, common symptoms, treatment and self-care. - Cycle of Change animated menopause film- Cycle of Change – award winning short animated film about understanding menopause, available in six languages. – menopausesupport.co.uk
A short educational film explaining menopause and helping you better understand the changes you may experience.
Recognising and Managing Symptoms
- Menopause symptom checker- Menopause symptoms checker 2 March 24
A printable checklist to help you record your symptoms and prepare for a conversation with your GP. - Vaginal and urinary symptoms (GSM)
Information about vaginal dryness, discomfort and urinary symptoms, including where to seek help.
Preparing for Your GP Appointment
- Getting the most out of your GP appointment- Getting the most out of your doctor’s appointment – menopausesupport.co.uk
Practical advice on preparing for an appointment, recording your symptoms and discussing your concerns and treatment options.
Further Help and Support
- The Menopause Charity- Home – The Menopause Charity
Further information and support to help you navigate menopause. - Women’s Health Concern- WHC factsheets and other helpful resources – Women’s Health Concern
Patient information and factsheets about menopause, HRT and women’s health. - Daisy Network- daisynetwork.org
Information and support for people affected by premature ovarian insufficiency (POI).
Need Personalised Advice?
Online information can be a helpful starting point, but it does not replace individual medical advice. If your symptoms are affecting your daily life, please contact your GP practice or the Moorlands Rural PCN Women’s Health Hub to discuss your concerns and the options available to you.
Treatment Options
Many women benefit from lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, sleep support and stress management.
Some may choose medical treatments, including Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), which can effectively reduce symptoms for many women after clinical assessment.
If symptoms are affecting your daily life, please speak to your GP or our Women’s Health Hub for personalised advice and treatment options.
Get a prescription prepayment certificate.
You can get an HRT prescription prepayment certificate (HRT PPC) from the NHS if you’ve been prescribed an eligible hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medicine.
Click the link to find out more: –
When to Seek Help
Please contact your GP or Women’s Health Hub if you:
- Have troublesome menopause symptoms
- Notice unexpected bleeding after menopause
- Feel low, anxious or unable to cope
- Would like advice about HRT or other treatments
You do not need to manage menopause alone, support and effective treatments are available.
