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How do you know when menopause has started?

Written by Matthew Lawson - January 29, 2023

How Do You Know When Menopause Has Started?

Menopause is an important life event for many women, but can be difficult to identify because of the broad range of symptoms associated with it. Knowing when menopause has started can help a woman better manage any symptoms she is experiencing and make informed decisions about her future health.

There are several key indicators that a woman has entered menopause, including:

  • Absence of menstrual periods for 12 months or more
  • Changes in body shape due to weight gain or loss
  • Hot flashes and night sweats
  • Mood swings, irritability, depression and anxiety
  • Changes in sexual desire (decreased libido)
  • Vaginal dryness and itching or burning sensation

It is important to note that many of these symptoms may appear before menopause has actually started — this is known as perimenopause. Perimenopausal symptoms can start as early as 8-10 years before menopause begins and last until up to 12 months after the final menstrual period. During this time, menstrual cycles may become irregular or intermittent.

The best way to confirm that you have actually entered menopause is by having your hormone levels checked by your doctor. This typically involves a simple blood test that measures levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), which will be significantly elevated if menopause has begun. FSH levels are also monitored during hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in order to determine the ideal dosage for each individual patient.

Once confirmed, there are several treatment options available for managing menopausal symptoms as well as long-term health concerns such as bone density loss and heart disease risk. Hormone replacement therapy is one option that can be used to supplement missing hormones and reduce the severity of symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats while also protecting against bone loss; however, each woman's needs should be discussed with their doctor before beginning any type of medication or treatment plan.

At BHRT Treament Center we specialize in personalized care plans tailored specifically to each patient’s needs throughout their journey into post-menopausal life — from educating them on potential treatments to helping manage any related health concerns — so they can live their full lives comfortably. Our team focuses on getting patients the best medical care available while providing emotional support every step of the way; contact us today for more information!

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