Menopause or something else?
- Dr Zoe Cross
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
From being totally taboo the menopause has become part of everyday conversation thanks to the agenda of many well-known women’s health advocates. It’s transformative that the current generation of perimenopausal and menopausal women are able to discuss, explore and understand exactly what is happening to their minds and bodies as they age. For previous generations, it simply wasn’t an option.
This much-needed wave of consciousness and education is incredibly positive but there is also the potential to inadvertently attribute the menopause as the catch-all for any health changes that share symptoms. Feeling achy… tired… forgetful… foggy? Don’t assume it’s the menopause. The truth is, not everything that changes in midlife is hormonal. Sometimes it is the menopause. Sometimes it isn’t. And often, it’s a combination of things.
The usual suspects
There are plenty of symptoms commonly linked to the menopause, and many of them are very real. Fluctuating oestrogen levels can affect muscles and joints, leading to aches and stiffness. Sleep disturbances can leave you feeling permanently tired. Brain fog and forgetfulness are widely reported and incredibly frustrating. Skin may feel drier, hair might thin or lose its shine, and weight can creep on, particularly around the middle. All of these can be part of the menopausal transition. But they can also have other explanations that should be considered.
What else could be going on?
As we get older, our bodies naturally change. Muscle mass reduces, metabolism slows, and recovery takes longer. Busy lives, work stress, caring responsibilities and poor sleep can all contribute to fatigue. Many of us find ourselves slap bang in the middle – caring for elderly parents whilst we have younger families of our own to look after. Nutrient deficiencies - such as low iron, vitamin B12 or vitamin D - are surprisingly common and can cause tiredness, low mood, hair changes and aches.
Thyroid issues, which affect women more than men, can also mimic menopausal symptoms almost exactly. Weight gain, fatigue, dry skin, low mood and memory issues are classic signs. Blood sugar changes, raised cholesterol and blood pressure can creep up quietly too, without obvious symptoms at first.
None of this is about being alarmist but it is about not brushing everything off with “it must be the menopause” and missing something that’s treatable.
The value of regular check-ups
One of the simplest and most empowering things you can do is take advantage of routine health checks. In the UK, the NHS offers a range of free screenings that are genuinely there to help catch problems early - before they become bigger issues.
Cervical screening, breast screening, bowel cancer screening and NHS Health Checks (for blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes risk) are all important, even if you feel OK. Basic blood and urine tests through your GP can also check things like iron levels, thyroid function and vitamin deficiencies, often providing reassurance or clear answers.
A friend visited the doctor to check that her achy hands were age-related wear and tear. Blood tests and an x-ray later showed type 2 diabetes - and not arthritis as expected. This kind of information is essential so you can adjust your lifestyle accordingly.
Think of these checks not as something to worry about, but as an MOT for your body. Locally in Staffordshire, as well as GP services, there are mobile walk-in screening units that pop up in all kinds of locations. We are incredibly lucky, as a country, to have these resources that are readily available, and free of charge. We should make the most of them. In 2023/24 approximately 60% of people invited for cancer screenings didn’t take up the offer. In November 2024 the NHS appealed to 5 million women in the UK who were not up to date with their cervical screening to make appointments*.
Don’t obsess - but don’t ignore
There’s a balance to be had. It’s easy to become hyper-focused on every ache or lapse in memory, especially when menopause is constantly in the media and online. Not every bad night’s sleep or stiff knee needs investigating.
At the same time, persistent symptoms, especially ones that are new, worsening, or affecting your quality of life, deserve attention. Trust your instincts. You know your body better than anyone else.
A friendly reminder
The menopause is a significant life stage, not a sweeping diagnosis for everything that happens after 40. Sometimes symptoms are hormonal, sometimes they’re lifestyle-related, sometimes they’re medical - and often they overlap.
So yes, be aware of the menopause. Educate yourself. Talk openly about it. But don’t let it become the default explanation for every change you notice. A little curiosity, a few routine checks and a willingness to ask questions can go a long way towards staying healthy, confident and well, through menopause and beyond.
On a final note, if everything you are experiencing is indeed the menopause, and it’s affecting your quality of life, don’t dismiss it – ask for help. The joy of our increasingly educated society is that menopause support is there if we ask for it.
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