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    Menopause and HRT

    Perimenopause is the longest and least explained transition in a woman's medical life. This is every guide, explainer and route to help we publish on it.

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    Common questions

    How do I know if it is perimenopause or something else?
    Cycle change plus a cluster of symptoms across sleep, mood and cognition in your forties is the usual pattern. Blood tests are unreliable in perimenopause because hormones fluctuate day to day, so UK diagnosis is normally made on symptoms and age.
    Is HRT the only option?
    No. HRT is first line for most women in UK guidance, but non-hormonal medication, CBT for sleep and vasomotor symptoms, and targeted strength and nutrition work all have evidence. The right combination depends on your history.

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