Perimenopause and menopause symptom checklist
Perimenopause often starts with changes to your periods, hot flushes, poor sleep, anxiety or brain fog, usually in your 40s. There is no single test for it, so what you notice matters. Tick each symptom and how often it happens, then print the summary and take it to your appointment.
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Your symptom checklist
For each symptom, choose how often you have noticed it in the last month.
Summary to take to your appointment
Nothing selected yet. Your summary will appear here.
What are the most common symptoms of perimenopause?
The NHS lists changes to your periods as often the first sign. Other common symptoms include hot flushes, night sweats, problems sleeping, heart palpitations, headaches, joint and muscle aches, weight gain, dry or itchy skin, vaginal dryness and more frequent urinary infections. Mental symptoms include mood changes, anxiety, loss of confidence and problems with memory or concentration.
Symptoms can start months or years before your periods stop, and some, such as vaginal dryness and joint pain, can continue after.
Why write your symptoms down before an appointment?
Appointments are short, and symptoms that come and go are easy to forget or understate. A written list with how often each one happens helps your clinician see the pattern and discuss options, including treatments such as hormone replacement therapy where appropriate.
When to see a doctor straight away
Do not wait for a routine appointment if you have:
- Any vaginal bleeding after menopause
- Very heavy bleeding, or bleeding between periods or after sex
- Chest pain, or palpitations with dizziness or shortness of breath
- Thoughts of harming yourself. In the US, call or text 988
Frequently asked questions
Is this a validated menopause rating scale?
No. It is a plain checklist based on the NHS symptom list, with no score. Clinicians may use validated questionnaires; this is only to help you describe what you notice.
Can I be in perimenopause if my periods are still regular?
Symptoms can start while periods are still fairly regular. That is one reason tracking them helps.
Is my information saved?
No. The checklist runs in your browser. Nothing is stored or sent to us.