At a glance
Perimenopause can involve changing periods, hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disruption and mood or concentration changes. Symptoms differ between people. Discuss changes that affect daily life with a doctor, including possible causes beyond menopause.[4]
Changes you may notice
The Jean Hailes symptom checklist covers temperature symptoms, sleep, joint or muscle discomfort, concentration, mood, sexual symptoms and vaginal dryness. You may experience some of these or a different pattern. A checklist helps describe what is happening; it does not provide a diagnosis.[4]
Age and menstrual history
Perimenopause is the transition around the final menstrual period. Menopause is recognised after 12 months without a period when another cause does not explain it. The average menopause age is 51; changes before 45 need particular discussion with a doctor.[1]
Is heavy period bleeding a common symptom of perimenopause?
Bleeding patterns can change during the transition. Heavy or prolonged bleeding still needs investigation. Bleeding after sex or after menopause also warrants assessment. Avoid assuming a change is harmless because it happened at the same time as other perimenopause symptoms.[5]
Keep a useful symptom record
Write down when symptoms occur, how your period pattern has changed and which problems affect work, sleep or relationships most. Take your medicine list and any relevant previous results to the appointment. Jean Hailes recommends preparing the issues you want to discuss with your doctor.[12]
Why a blood result is only part of the question
Hormone levels fluctuate. In women over 45, a single hormone blood test does not diagnose perimenopause. A doctor can assess your history and decide whether another explanation needs investigation. Avoid delaying an appointment because one test result was reported as normal.[13]
Compare the appointment before paying
Check the length of the initial consultation and whether a follow-up is included. Ask if you can choose the doctor and use your existing reports. The women’s table records published fees with their dates and keeps missing charges visible.