Understanding Menopause: Symptoms, Support and Your Options

One of the things I hear most often at Windwood Health Clinic is, "I knew something had changed, but I didn't feel taken seriously." Menopause and perimenopause are a natural stage of life — but that doesn't mean you have to simply put up with symptoms that affect your day, your sleep and your sense of yourself. With the right support, this stage is far more manageable than many women are led to believe.

Perimenopause vs menopause — what's the difference?

Perimenopause is the transition leading up to menopause, when hormone levels begin to fluctuate. It can start years before periods stop and is often when symptoms first appear. Menopause itself is reached when you haven't had a period for twelve months. The experience is different for everyone — which is exactly why a personal consultation matters more than a generic checklist.

Symptoms women commonly tell us about

Menopause is about far more than hot flushes. Women come to us when symptoms start affecting daily life, including:

• Hot flushes and night sweats
• Changes in mood, anxiety or low mood
• Disturbed sleep and fatigue
• "Brain fog" and difficulty concentrating
• Changes to periods
• Joint and muscle aches

If you're not sure whether what you're experiencing is related to menopause, a consultation is a good place to start — sometimes simply understanding what's happening is a relief in itself.

How a menopause consultation can help

At Windwood, a menopause consultation is unhurried and confidential. Depending on your needs, your clinician will take time to:

• Understand your symptoms, history and lifestyle
• Discuss what to expect and answer your questions
• Talk through evidence-based options — including lifestyle approaches and, where clinically appropriate, hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• Arrange relevant health checks or blood tests if needed
• Agree a personalised plan, with review over time

Any treatment is decided together with your clinician, based on what's right and safe for you. We don't take a one-size-fits-all view — your plan should fit your life.

Care, close to home in West London

Windwood Health Clinic is on Askew Road in Shepherd's Bush, W12, welcoming patients from across West London. Our menopause consultations are available by appointment — please book in advance so we can give you the time a proper conversation deserves.

You don't have to navigate this stage alone, or simply soldier on. If your symptoms are affecting your quality of life, support is available.

Book a menopause consultation or read more about our menopause service.

Written by Mahsa Ranjbar, Pharmacist & Founder, Windwood Health Clinic. This article is general information, not medical advice — please book a consultation to discuss what's right for you.