How Can I Tell if I’m in Menopause?

Dr. Iain Martin headshot

Published by Dr Iain Martin

Date posted — 9.05.25

Male practitioner performing an ultrasound examination on a female patient seated in a clinic chair with diagnostic equipment visible.

Menopause is a natural and inevitable phase of life, experienced by every woman at some point. While you may have heard about menopause from others, such as your mother or friends, recognising the signs and understanding what’s happening to your body can feel confusing. Here’s what you need to know to determine if you’re transitioning into menopause and how to manage this stage effectively.

What is menopause?

Menopause marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycles. It’s diagnosed after you’ve gone 12 consecutive months without a period, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. However, menopause can happen earlier due to specific medical treatments, surgeries, genetics or other health factors.

Menopause has three stages:

Perimenopause: The transitional period when symptoms begin, often several years before menopause.

Menopause: The point at which you’ve stopped menstruating for 12 months.

Post menopause: The period following menopause, during which symptoms typically ease, though health considerations like osteoporosis remain essential.

Transitioning into menopause

Early signs that you might be entering menopause include:

  • Irregular or changing periods (heavier, lighter, or less predictable)
  • Hot flushes and night sweats
  • Mood swings or irritability
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Fatigue
  • Reduced libido

Perimenopause can last anywhere from a few months to several years. If you’re experiencing these symptoms and wondering whether you’ve started menopause, professional guidance can clarify your situation. At McKeown Medical, our expert menopause consultations provide comprehensive assessments and personalised support.

Managing menopause for the first time

Managing menopause symptoms effectively can significantly improve your quality of life. There are several ways to ease symptoms:

  • Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): HRT can be very effective at restoring your hormone levels and helping to reduce the symptoms you experience as a result of menopause. Everyone, however, reacts differently, and it’s sometimes necessary to tweak your prescription until you achieve optimal control of your symptoms. We usually start with a prescription for oestrogen and progesterone, which for many people will be enough. If this isn’t enough, it can be helpful to add testosterone, particularly if you have problems with sleep and libido.
  • Lifestyle Adjustments: Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and stress reduction techniques (like yoga and meditation) can help manage symptoms naturally.
  • Non-hormonal treatments: Options such as antidepressants can reduce hot flushes and mood swings if HRT isn’t suitable or if you don’t want to take hormones.

Embracing overall wellness, including regular exercise and a nutritious diet, significantly supports the transition, helping you feel healthier and more energetic.

Navigating menopause with McKeown Medical

Navigating menopause can feel overwhelming at first, but you don’t need to go through it alone. At McKeown Medical, we provide comprehensive menopause care tailored specifically to your needs. We offer personalised support and treatments to ease symptoms, empowering you to maintain a vibrant, active lifestyle.

At McKeown Medical, we can help guide you through your menopause journey and tackle any issues you may be facing. Talk to us to learn more about the treatment options we offer to help manage your health moving forward. Get a consultation today

Dr. Iain Martin headshot

Dr Iain Martin

Dr. Iain Martin is a consultant gynaecologist with a specialist interest in minimally-invasive gynaecology treatments. With years of experience and a dedication to improving women’s healthcare, Dr. Martin has become a trusted name in his field. His pioneering work in Scotland has made advanced, minimally- invasive treatments accessible to more women than ever before. Under Dr. Martin’s guidance, our clinic is setting a new standard for private gynaecological care.

Related Articles

Dr Rhona is back!

We’re delighted to share that Dr Rhona Cameron will be returning to clinic at the beginning of September following her maternity leave and her diary is now open for appointments! 

We know many of you have been looking forward to seeing Rhona again, and we’re so pleased to welcome her back! 

If you’d like to book an appointment with Dr Rhona, you can do so via our website or app, or contact the team on 0141 370 0509.
Once again, the combination treatment wins the day! 

This patient came to us hating her neck and jowls, but she would not consider anything invasive. Treating the neck is always a challenge especially with non-invasive treatments only. 

For this patient we first of all reduced the fat under the chin using CoolSculpting, then we did some hyaluronic acid under the mandible to define the jaw and finally we did some Sofwave to tighten the skin.

 The patient is over the moon with her results. What do you think?
I genuinely think the Quantum Lift is changing what is possible for patients who want to improve their jawline and neck, but do not want to undergo facelift surgery.

I have used earlier generations of skin-tightening technology and, honestly, I was often underwhelmed by the results. This is different.

By combining precise power-assisted liposuction, targeted treatment of the neck muscle where needed, and QuantumRF skin tightening, we can address the three things that most commonly age the lower face and neck: muscle, fat and skin.

This patient is shown just 24 hours after treatment. There is still swelling to settle, but the early change in her jawline and neck contour is already clear.

I have also included clips from the procedure for anyone who likes seeing the technical side of what we do.

Would you consider a minimally invasive alternative to facelift surgery for your jawline or neck, or would you rather go straight to surgery?
The biggest mistake I see after weight loss? People choose a treatment before understanding what's actually causing their loose skin.

Not all "loose skin" is the same, which is why the right treatment for one person can be completely wrong for another.

If you've lost weight and aren't sure which option is right for you, the first step isn't choosing a device. It's getting the right diagnosis.

Looking for some advice? Send us a DM to get started.

Join us on Instagram to keep up with the latest results and expert insights from the clinic team.