Premenopause, Perimenopause and Menopause are all significant phases in a woman’s life, each presenting a unique set of experiences and challenges. Doctor Now provides a comprehensive range of services to address the diverse needs of women throughout these different phases including a variety of management strategies that are tailored to individual needs.
Premenopause
This phase begins with menarche or the starting of periods and continues to Perimenopause. During this phase, a woman can experience menstrual issues such as painful or heavy periods, irregular menstruation, contraceptive challenges, fertility issues and pregnancy. During this stage our GP’s play a pivotal role in understanding these issues as well as helping in the diagnosis and the holistic management of these conditions. Often, lifestyle advice can have a major influence on the experience of these conditions.
Perimenopause
As women transition into Perimenopause, typically in their 40s but varying for each individual, hormonal fluctuations often lead to a range of symptoms including irregular menstrual cycles, hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, anxiety, fatigue, joint ache and changes in libido. GPs becomes instrumental in recognising and managing these symptoms effectively.
We can offer support and education as well as guidance on lifestyle modifications, such as exercise, nutrition, stress management and sleep which all help to alleviate discomfort and promote overall well-being.
For women experiencing significant or persistent symptoms, pharmacological interventions, such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), may be considered. Our GPs engage in shared decision-making with patients, discussing the potential benefits and risks of HRT based on individual medical history, preferences and goals. This collaborative approach ensures that treatment plans are tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient, balancing symptom relief with overall health considerations.
Menopause
As women progress into menopause, defined as the cessation of menstrual periods for 12 consecutive months, general practice continues to play a central role in managing both the short-term symptoms and long-term health implications of this transition. Regular health screenings, including bone density assessments, cardiovascular risk evaluations and cancer screening help monitor and mitigate the potential health risks associated with menopause, such as osteoporosis, heart disease and certain cancers.
Our GPs also address the specific health concerns that arise during menopause, such as vaginal dryness, urinary symptoms, and sexual health issues. Treatment options may include hormone therapy, vaginal oestrogen therapy, lubricants, and counselling to address sexual dysfunction and intimacy concerns.
Most importantly, at DoctorNow, we believe in personalised care and ongoing support throughout the premenopausal, perimenopausal and menopausal transitions. We work collaboratively with patients, to understand their individual symptoms, preferences and concerns so that women are empowered to take an active role in managing their health and well-being at every stage of life.
If you have any further questions or would like to book appointment with one of our GPs, please call us on 01494 410888 and one of our team will be delighted to assist.