Menopausal Symptoms

Key points

• Hot flushes and night sweats, sleep disruption, mood change and vaginal or urinary symptoms may need different treatments.
• Systemic hormone therapy treats vasomotor symptoms, while low-dose vaginal oestrogen targets local genitourinary symptoms with lower systemic exposure.
• Bleeding after menopause is not an expected symptom to self-treat and requires assessment.

The listings below are not a universal menopause regimen; uterus status, age, symptom type, clot risk and cancer history guide selection.

Matching treatment to symptoms

Diagnosis is usually clinical in the expected age range; hormone tests fluctuate and are not routinely helpful. Sleep, thyroid, mood and medicine factors are considered when the pattern is atypical. Bone and cardiovascular health are reviewed separately from short-term symptom relief.

Hormone and non-hormone options

Systemic oestrogen is combined with progestogen when a uterus is present to protect the endometrium. Transdermal and oral routes have different risk profiles. Non-hormonal medicines can reduce flushes, while moisturisers, lubricants or local oestrogen address vaginal dryness according to suitability.

When to seek urgent care

Arrange prompt assessment for any bleeding after menopause. Seek urgent care for heavy bleeding, chest pain, sudden breathlessness, a painful swollen leg, fainting or new neurological symptoms.

Further reading

• The Menopause Years | ACOG
• Menopause - NHS
• Menopause - Healthdirect