Menopause and perimenopause symptoms are frequently misunderstood and undertreated.
Symptoms such as hot flushes, anxiety, low mood, sleep problems, brain fog, joint pain, repeated urinary infections are often thought to be related to ageing or stress rather than hormonal changes. Often women are treated for depression and anxiety or they are dismissed. In reality, these changes can have a profound impact on both the physical and mental wellbeing, as well as day-to-day quality of life.
Dr Delgado's own personal experience of menopause and the lack of adequate medical support she encountered during that time inspired her to pursue specialist training in this area.
As a menopause specialist in Estepona, she is here to listen, advise, and support you. If you'd like to discuss your symptoms or explore your treatment options, please don't hesitate to get in touch and book an appointment.
Women with early menopause , family history of osteoporosis , low body weight, smoking and certain medications can increase the risk of having osteoporosis. Symptoms are often absent and osteoporosis can remain undetected for many years until a fracture occurs.
Dr Raquel Delgado provides a personalised assessment of bone health, including evaluation of risk factors, interpretation of blood results and DEXA scans and guidance on prevention and treatment options. Advice might include nutrition, exercise, Vitamin D and calcium supplements, HRT where appropriate and referral for further investigations or specialist treatment if required.
Hormonal changes during the perimenopause and the menopause can cause weight gain, changes in body composition and difficulty losing weight. Dr Raquel Delgado offers a personalised approach to weight loss management. combining hormonal assessments with nutritional and lifestyle support. She can offer medical treatments such as GLP-1 medication, Mounjaro or Ozempic , when appropriate.
In many women over 42, perimenopause and menopause can be diagnosed from symptoms and changes in the menstrual cycle without any hormone tests. Hormone levels change significantly during perimenopause, so a single 'normal' blood test doe not necessarily exclude hormonal changes. Blood tests re more helpful in younger women, when the diagnoses is uncertain, or whether other conditions need to be considered.
Perimenopause can begin several years before periods stop completely. Common symptoms include changes in your menstrual cycle, hot flushes, night sweats, poor sleep, anxiety, low mood, brain fog, reduced concentration, joint pains, vaginal dryness, urinary symptoms and changes in libido. Symptoms vary considerably between women, and you do not need to experience all of them to be in perimenopause.
Yes. You do not have to wait until your periods have stopped before discussing HRT. Women experiencing troublesome symptoms during perimenopause may be suitable for HRT and the type of treatment and progesterone regimen will depend on your individual circumstances and menstrual pattern.
For many healthy women with menopausal symptoms, the benefits of HRT can outweigh the risks. The risks and benefits vary according to your age, medical history, family history, the type of hormones used and how they are taken. In general terms HRT is a very safe treatment option and it can have a positive effect on women's physical and mental wellbeing.
Yes. Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can be associated with anxiety, panic attacks , mood changes, poor sleep, difficulty concentrating and brain fog. These symptoms can have a significant effect on work, relationships and quality of life. An assessment can help determine whether hormonal changes, another medical condition, or a combination of factors may be contributing.
Hormonal changes can affect body composition, fat distribution, muscle mass, sleep and insulin sensitivity. Ageing, stress, reduced activity and changes in appetite can also contribute. Weight management during menopause should consider nutrition, resistance training, sleep, hormonal health and, for suitable patients, medical weight-management treatments.
Falling oestrogen levels can affect the vagina, vulva, bladder and urinary tract. Symptoms may include vaginal dryness, burning, irritation, painful sex, urinary urgency and recurrent urinary infections. This is known as genitourinary syndrome of menopause, or GSM, and effective treatments are available.
Testosterone levels decline with age and may contribute to reduced sexual desire, fatigue , brain fog and it is also thought to be related to painful muscles and joints in some women. For some women in despite optimised HRT, testosterone replacement may be considered following an individual medical assessment. Treatment requires careful prescribing and monitoring to ensure that testosterone levels remain within the normal female range.
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