Menopause is the name given to the biological change women go through when their ovaries stop producing oestrogen. Despite the fact that menopause is a natural condition which occurs in all women, it can be reassuring to receive a diagnosis for menopause, particularly if you are suffering from menopausal symptoms.
In this article, we will share insights and information on receiving a diagnosis for menopause, and how you can test for menopause.
If you feel you may be experiencing menopause and want to seek a diagnosis, speak to a gynaecologist or your GP to help you understand your options and the treatment available.
Testing for Menopause
You can consult with a gynaecologist or GP about getting a diagnosis for menopause. You will discuss your symptoms during a consultation, and typically, the GP or specialist will conduct tests to identify whether the cause of your symptoms is menopause. A common way to diagnose menopause is blood tests, which will be able to measure your hormone levels. They will talk you through your symptoms and ascertain whether or not you are experiencing menopause. Beyond a professional diagnosis, it’s recommended to look out for any physical or emotional changes that could be signs of menopause.
Self-testing for Menopause
It is possible to test for menopause at home. Test kits focus on the presence, or absence, of FSH, or follicle stimulating hormones. Menopause home kits often require a urine sample to help you diagnose your symptoms.
Menopause Symptoms
It is important to see a GPor gynaecologist if you think you have perimenopause or menopause symptoms. The most common symptoms include:
- Hot flushes
- Difficulty sleeping
- Low mood and irritability
- Irregular bleeding
- Vaginal dryness and itching
- Worsening headaches and migraines
- Muscle pains
- Symptoms of depression or anxiety
Hot Flushes and Menopause
Resulting from hormonal changes, hot flushes are one of the most common symptoms of menopause. Hot flushes cause a sudden feeling of heat, dizziness, discomfort and sweating. It is a popular physical symptom that can be attributed to menopause; hot flushes are often brought on with no warning, and are a notable characteristic of hormonal change.
Tiredness and Menopause
Due to the hormonal fluctuations your body is going through, it is not uncommon for menopause to cause fatigue and tiredness. If you are suffering from discomfort and mood swings due to menopause, it can be harder to get a good nights’ sleep, particularly if the emotional symptoms are affecting your day to day life. Joint pain, headaches, night sweats, weight gain and a decline in your oestrogen and progesterone levels are all factors that can contribute to sleeping poorly during menopause; a good sleep routine, a healthy diet and exercise can help to combat tiredness.
Diagnosing Less Common Symptoms of Menopause
If you are aged between 45 and 55 and start to experience one of the following symptoms, it could be an indicator that you have started perimenopause. Be sure to consider your previous medical history and family genetics, as these may explain the new symptoms. However, if it is a completely new feeling without an obvious cause, it may be worth speaking with your GP or a professional gynaecologist, to help identify whether or not menopause could be the root cause.
Menopause and Itchy Skin
Some women in the UK suffer from itchy skin during perimenopause, which is caused by the body’s decline in oestrogen. As this hormone helps to regulate your skin barrier, as well as your body’s production of collagen and oil, skin problems or ‘pruritis’ can occur, making your skin itchy, dry and irritated.
Tinnitus and Menopause
Some women also experience tinnitus during menopause, which is a recognised menopausal symptom, albeit less common. It is caused by low oestrogen levels affecting the receptors in the ear. Tinnitus causes an unnatural ringing, buzzing or hissing in the ear which can cause discomfort and distress if it interferes with day to day life. If you think you are experiencing hearing problems or tinnitus due to the menopause, speak to a healthcare professional to discuss options for treatment.
Itchy Ears and Menopause
Declining oestrogen can also cause itchy ears, as the skin around the ear becomes dry and irritated. This can present itself as feeling like your ears are blocked, or hot. If you are experiencing new symptoms or problems in your ear due to menopause, try to keep your ears moisturised and use over-the-counter medicines such as antihistamines or hydrocortisone cream to ease the itching.
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Burning Tongue and Menopause
This rare symptom called burning mouth syndrome (BMS) causes the feeling of a hot, dry or burning tongue, affecting the tongue, lips, cheek or mouth lining. It is caused by the decline of oestrogen and is also characterised by a metallic taste in the mouth, loss of taste, and a ‘crawling’ sensation in the mouth.
What to Do if You Think You Are Going Through Menopause
For many women, diagnosing menopause can be a vital step, helping to validate your concerns, understand your feelings, and appropriately manage and treat your symptoms.
If you think you are experiencing menopause, you can speak to our friendly team at Modality LLP to organise a professional diagnosis.
