Diagnosing and managing menopausal symptoms in clinical practice

Individualised, appropriate and timely diagnosis of the menopause in clinical practice can help to improve long-term health for women, as well as relieve current symptoms that may be having a negative impact on quality of life. Appropriate treatment options are based primarily on a thorough assessment, taking into account personal medical and family history, age, symptoms, changes to women's periods and personal preference relating to available treatments. Menopause symptoms may appear similar to those typically found in other health conditions, and conducting a detailed assessment will help to accurately diagnose accordingly. Treatment options can include hormone replacement therapy, vaginal oestrogen and a range of non-hormonal prescribed treatment options, with other therapies including cognitive behavioural therapy and holistic changes incorporating diet, exercise and lifestyle adjustments.