Overview
Menopause is 12 consecutive months without a period, average age 51. Symptoms come from declining estrogen and can last a decade. Hormone therapy has been rehabilitated by better data and is safe for most women within 10 years of menopause.
Symptoms to watch for
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Vaginal dryness and painful sex
- Sleep disturbance
- Mood changes and anxiety
- Brain fog
- Weight gain, especially around the middle
- Joint aches
- Urinary frequency and UTIs
What else could this be?
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Depression
- Perimenopause (still having periods)
How it's diagnosed
Clinical — bloodwork isn't usually needed. FSH can support diagnosis in ambiguous cases.
Treatment
Systemic hormone therapy (estradiol + progesterone if uterus present) for hot flashes/mood/sleep. Vaginal estrogen for GSM symptoms — safe long-term. Non-hormonal: SSRIs (paroxetine), gabapentin, fezolinetant (Veozah).
When to book a visit
Book if symptoms are limiting sleep, work, mood, or intimacy — options are much better than a decade ago.
Book online todayFrequently asked
Is hormone therapy safe?
For most healthy women within 10 years of menopause, yes — benefits generally outweigh risks. Personal history matters.