Menopause and perimenopause
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What menopause is
Menopause is when your periods stop due to lower hormone levels. This usually happens between 45 and 55. It can happen earlier for some women.
Perimenopause happens before this, when your periods may change and symptoms begin.
You reach menopause when you have not had a period for 12 months.
Everyone’s experience is different. Menopause can affect your body, mind and day‑to‑day life.
If you have questions or concerns, speak to your GP. Tracking your symptoms before your appointment may help.
Getting support from your GP
You should speak to your GP if you have any questions.
Tracking your symptoms before your appointment can help you explain how you feel and what has changed.
You can download a menopause symptom tracker
If you feel nervous, you can bring someone you trust to the appointment.
Everyone over 40 is entitled to an NHS Health Check and should be invited by their GP. Health checks are a good opportunity to talk about lifestyle changes that can help manage perimenopause symptoms.
A local GP has created a useful Menopause and HRT page
Common symptoms
Symptoms vary. You may have a few, many, or none.
You may notice:
- period changes – irregular, lighter, heavier or unpredictable.
- physical changes – hot flushes, night sweats, poor sleep, headaches, joint or muscle pain, skin changes, palpitations, changes to weight or body shape, reduced sex drive.
- mental health changes – anxiety, mood changes, low mood, brain fog or trouble concentrating.
- urogenital changes – vaginal dryness, discomfort during sex or urinary infections.
More detailed information is on the NHS Menopause pages
Early and premature menopause
Early menopause happens before age 45.
Premature menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) happens before age 40.
It may happen naturally or due to surgery, cancer treatment or other reasons. Sometimes the reason is unknown.
More information and a short video:
NHS – Early and premature menopause
Support organisations include:
What can help
Small changes can support your wellbeing. Try what works for you.
Stop smoking
Smoking can make symptoms like hot flushes worse. Stopping also reduces the risk of heart disease, cancer and osteoporosis.
Support is available from:
Be Smoke Free – One You Cheshire East
Alcohol
Alcohol can affect sleep, mood and symptom severity.
Support if you want to cut down:
Be kind to your mind
Taking time for yourself can help manage symptoms.
See the making time for yourself video.
Helpful support:
If you need urgent mental health help
- Call NHS 111, 24/7 (select the mental health option).
- Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7).
- Mind Support Line: 0300 102 1234 (Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm).
Be active
Being active can support your physical and mental health, improve sleep and help manage weight changes.
Support and ideas:
This video shares experiences from local residents.
Eat well
What you eat can affect your energy, mood and sleep.
You could try:
- Wholegrains, fruit and vegetables
- Foods rich in calcium and vitamin D
- Lean protein
- Cutting back on caffeine, alcohol, sugary or processed foods
Support:
Free local support is available at Adult Weight Management – One You Cheshire East
(eligibility criteria apply)
Sleep
Sleep can be harder during menopause. You could try:
- A regular bedtime and wake‑up time
- A calming evening routine
- Turning off screens before bed
- Reducing caffeine after lunchtime
- Keeping your bedroom cool, dark and quiet
Community and national support
Support near you
You are not alone.
Support is available across Cheshire East to help you manage menopause and perimenopause symptoms.
Local Menopause Support Services
National organisations
Useful apps
The Cheshire and Merseyside Women’s Health App can be downloaded via Google Play and the Apple App Store.
Page last reviewed: 28 April 2026
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