In the UK, around 13 million women are currently navigating the perimenopausal or menopausal stages of life—roughly a third of the entire female population. This major life transition, driven by significant hormonal changes, often makes its presence felt in more ways than many expect. While hot flushes, anxiety, mood swings, and disrupted sleep are familiar symptoms, menopause is actually linked to over 30 recognised symptoms, many of which can be challenging and debilitating.
Women’s health specialist Dr Janine David, a GP and advisor to Berkeley Health, highlights the importance of awareness: “October is World Menopause Awareness Month, and it’s the perfect time to shine a light on this key phase of life. Menopause is officially marked when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a period, with no other medical cause. It typically happens between ages 45 and 55. Before this, during perimenopause, women may experience symptoms even if their periods haven’t yet stopped, and these symptoms can persist for several years.”
Menopause doesn’t just affect personal well-being—research shows it also impacts work and social life. More than a third of UK women say menopause influences their working lives, while 36% report that symptoms affect their social interactions. Notably, 42% found their symptoms to be worse than they had anticipated.
Dr Gill Jenkins explains the hormonal shifts at play: “Oestrogen, a hormone central to women’s reproductive years, begins to decline rapidly during perimenopause, triggering many menopausal symptoms. But menopause doesn’t have to be a difficult time—it’s about managing symptoms well and building self-awareness to make this stage fulfilling.”
To help women feel more in control, Berkeley Health offers a range of accredited at-home tests that provide fast results. Dr David says, “These tests help women understand what’s driving their symptoms and whether they are menopausal. While they’re not a substitute for medical advice, they are menopause-friendly, trusted by retailers, and meet medical device standards.”
Interestingly, half of the women aged 45 to 65 who have experienced menopause symptoms in the past decade haven’t sought medical advice. Dr Jenkins suggests this may reflect uncertainty or a lack of awareness about available support. “These tests empower women with information they can bring to their GP, allowing them to advocate for their health rather than waiting years for help.”
One key test measures Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), which rises as menopause begins. Dr David explains, “If you’re noticing symptoms like missed periods, hot flashes, sleep issues, or mood changes, this simple urine test can indicate if menopause is underway by looking at FSH levels.”
Beyond the familiar signs, menopause brings other lesser-known symptoms—often overlooked but significant.
For example, vaginal pH, the measure of acidity or alkalinity in the vaginal environment, usually stays acidic to keep harmful bacteria and infections at bay. But during menopause, as oestrogen drops, vaginal cells thin and lactic acid production falls. This raises vaginal pH, making the environment more alkaline and prone to infections like UTIs or bacterial vaginosis.
Women might notice itching, unusual discharge, or a strong odour. Dr Jenkins points out, “Testing vaginal pH at home can indicate menopausal status and help monitor these changes.”
UTI symptoms are also common, even when no infection is present. The decline in oestrogen thins vaginal and urethral tissues, making bacterial entry easier. Symptoms like burning or pelvic pain may arise, but often they result from hormonal changes rather than infection. Home tests can clarify whether discomfort stems from infection or menopause.
Vitamin D deficiency is another concern. Oestrogen helps the body metabolise vitamin D, so levels can drop after menopause, impacting bone health. Low vitamin D increases the risks of osteoporosis, fractures, muscle weakness, and a low mood. A simple vitamin D test can identify deficiency and guide necessary supplements.
Thyroid disorders also become more common with age and hormonal shifts. The thyroid, a small gland in the neck, controls metabolism, weight, mood, and temperature through hormone production.
Dr David explains, “If the thyroid underperforms, your brain signals for more hormone production, leading to hypothyroidism; if it overproduces, the signal decreases, causing hyperthyroidism.”
Many symptoms of hypothyroidism—fatigue, weight gain, mood changes—overlap with menopausal symptoms, making testing critical for proper diagnosis and care.
Dr David concludes, “Menopause comes with a vast range of symptoms, some well-known and others less so. It’s crucial to distinguish between menopausal effects and other health issues. At-home testing empowers women to learn more about their health, enabling early action and collaboration with their GP for lifestyle, diet, or supplement interventions. Understanding these changes is the first step toward managing this important life stage with confidence.”
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