Fatigue, hot flushes, poor sleep, low mood, brain fog or feeling “not quite yourself”? You’re not alone — and you don’t have to simply put up with it. Menopause is a natural stage of life, but the symptoms can be challenging, unpredictable and, for many women, life changing.
At Private GP Extra, we believe menopause care should be personalised, informed and supportive — which is why we offer a Menopause and Lifestyle Management Service to help you feel back in control of your health.
What Is the Menopause?
Menopause is defined as the point at which a woman has not had a period for 12 consecutive months. It usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, although this can vary. While menopause itself is a single moment in time, hormonal changes often begin years earlier and can continue afterwards, affecting both physical and emotional wellbeing.
What is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the transition leading up to menopause and is often when symptoms first appear. Hormone levels fluctuate during this time, and periods may become irregular — which is why many women don’t immediately realise what is happening.
Common perimenopause symptoms include:
- Irregular periods
- Hot flushes and night sweats
- Anxiety, low mood or irritability
- Brain fog and poor concentration
- Sleep problems
- Fatigue
Recognising perimenopause early can make a significant difference to symptom management and quality of life.
What is Postmenopause?
Postmenopause refers to the years after menopause has occurred. While some symptoms ease over time, others may persist or change. Lower oestrogen levels can also affect long-term health, including bone strength and cardiovascular health, making ongoing care and lifestyle support particularly important.
Menopause in the UK: The Bigger Picture
Menopause affects millions of women across the UK. It is estimated that around 13 million women are currently perimenopausal or postmenopausal, with symptoms lasting an average of seven years, and often longer. Around three in four women experience menopausal symptoms, and one in four report symptoms severe enough to impact daily life. Despite this, many women feel their concerns are dismissed or that support is difficult to access — highlighting the importance of specialist, personalised menopause care.
Take the Next Step
If you are experiencing symptoms of perimenopause or postmenopause, expert support can make a real difference.
To book an appointment with one of our doctors, please call 0161 428 4464 or email us at info@privategpextra.com
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