- ‘I just don’t feel like myself’
- ‘I fell like I’m having a midlife crisis’
- ‘I get so easily irritated by everyone and I feel like I’m on edge’
Does this sound like you or someone close to you? These are all real phrases from women going through perimenopause.
In this article, Women’s Health specialist, Doctor Merrie discusses menopause and the support that Edinburgh GP offers patients.
Menopause is a natural part of ageing, marking the end of menstrual cycles. It is clinically defined as having gone 12 consecutive months without a period, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55.
Before menopause, many women go through a stage known as perimenopause – a transitional phase where hormone levels begin to fluctuate. This can start several years before your periods stop completely. During perimenopause, you may notice changes in your cycle, along with symptoms like hot flushes, poor sleep, weight gain, anxiety, or brain fog. It’s important to recognise that these changes are real and treatable.
While hormone levels can be tested in certain situations, menopause and perimenopause are usually clinical diagnoses, based on symptoms and your medical history.
At our clinic, we offer holistic menopause and perimenopause care. This means looking at the full picture – your symptoms, lifestyle, medical history, and personal goals. Every woman’s experience is unique, and your care should be too. You may want to start HRT. You may already be on HRT, but feel it is not working well and want to discuss other preparations. We are seeing more cases of women starting weight loss injections due to the weight gain associated with menopause. Whilst these are generally safe and effective, may need your HRT (progestogen dose) adjusted due to the effects of the drug.
Lifestyle plays a vital role in managing menopause symptoms. Nutrition, regular exercise, stress reduction, and good sleep habits can all help ease the transition. Social media can overwhelm us with advice and options for things to try or supplements to take, it is sometimes hard to know where to begin. We’ll work with you to identify changes that can make a real difference.
We also provide a wide range of treatment options, including both hormonal and non-hormonal therapies. Our services include:
- Face-to-face consultations with experienced GPs
- Blood testing, where appropriate although this is not often needed
- Prescriptions for all types of menopause treatment, including HRT
- Coil fitting, which can be used as part of some HRT plans or for contraception and period management
Our Top 3 Tips for Managing Menopause:
- Prioritise Sleep and Stress Reduction – Quality sleep and reduced stress can dramatically improve mood, memory, and energy. Try mindfulness, yoga, or a calming bedtime routine.
- Stay Active – Regular movement, even gentle walking or stretching, supports bone health, boosts mood, and helps maintain a healthy weight.
- Focus on Nutrition – A balanced diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, protein, and whole foods can support bone density, heart health, and energy levels. Reducing processed foods, sugar, and caffeine may also help manage symptoms like hot flushes and mood swings. The British Dietetic Association has some helpful information: www.bda.uk.com/resource/menopause-diet.html
Menopause is a significant life stage, and it’s important to have the right support. If you’re experiencing symptoms or have questions about your options, book an appointment to start the conversation.