Stop blaming everything on menopause

Tired all the time?

Menopause.

Aching more than usual?

Menopause.

Not sleeping properly? Feeling low? Gaining weight?

Menopause, menopause, menopause.

And sometimes, that may well be part of the explanation.

But there’s a danger in reaching a point where every new symptom gets blamed on menopause simply because of your age.

Menopause can explain a lot. It should not automatically explain everything.

Fatigue, aches, sleep problems, mood changes and changes in body composition can all occur around menopause.

But similar symptoms can also appear for many other reasons.

If you automatically label every problem “menopause”, you risk missing something that deserves a different conversation.

That is why I prefer symptoms to be looked at in context.

What changed?

How long has it been happening?

Is it getting worse?

What medications are you taking?

Are there other symptoms?

Depending on that picture, a GP may decide that an examination, blood tests or another assessment is appropriate.

This is not about becoming frightened by every ache.

It is the opposite.

It is about refusing to write yourself off because you have reached a certain age.

Menopause is an explanation to consider, not a diagnosis you should use to dismiss yourself.

"If something feels new, persistent or wrong for you, don't automatically file it under 'menopause' and carry on."

- Danielle Frost

 RESEARCH / USEFUL SOURCES

•  NHS: Menopause and perimenopause symptoms