Three questions.
No sign-up.
Answer yes or no. Swipe the card, or tap the buttons. We’ll point you to the right place to start, and show your stage on the homepage.
If you use hormonal contraception or have had surgery, periods aren’t a reliable guide. Talk to your GP.
Your resultYou may be in
perimenopause
Periods, sleep and mood start to change. It can last several years.
Based on your answers. Not a diagnosis.
3 / 3Has it been more than 12 months since your last period?
2 / 3Have your periods or symptoms changed in the last year?
1 / 3Are you still having periods, even irregular ones?
Where are you in your
midlife journey?
Changes in periods, sleep, mood, temperature, energy and sexual health can appear gradually. Start with what you’re experiencing and explore reliable information at your own pace.
Understanding the menopause transition
Midlife hormonal changes happen over time. These three broad stages can help you understand the language commonly used by healthcare professionals.
- THE TRANSITION
Perimenopause
The years leading up to menopause, when hormone levels can fluctuate and periods may begin to change.
POSSIBLE EXPERIENCES- Irregular periods
- Hot flashes
- Sleep disruption
- Mood changes
- Brain fog
- Breast tenderness
Explore PerimenopausePerimenopause can begin while periods are still occurring.
- A POINT IN TIME
Menopause
Menopause is reached after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, when no other medical cause explains the change.
POSSIBLE EXPERIENCES- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Sleep changes
- Vaginal dryness
- Mood changes
Understand MenopauseMenopause itself refers to a specific point in time.
- WHAT COMES NEXT
Postmenopause
The years after menopause, when some symptoms may continue and long-term health becomes increasingly important.
FOCUS AREAS- Bone health
- Heart health
- Muscle strength
- Sexual health
- Metabolic health
- Preventive care
Not sure which stage sounds like you?
Start with a few simple questions about your periods and recent changes.
Has your menstrual cycle changed recently?
Have you gone 12 months without a period?
Have you noticed new or changing symptoms?
This tool is for education only and does not diagnose menopause or rule out other causes of symptoms.
Or start with what you’re experiencing
You don’t need to know your stage before exploring symptoms.
Try “night sweats”, “brain fog” or “joint pain”
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Sleep problems
- Brain fog
- Anxiety
- Irregular periods
- Joint pain
- Vaginal dryness
- Low libido
- Heart palpitations
- Headaches
- Fatigue
What has changed for you?
What should you do next?
Your next step depends on what you’re experiencing and how much it is affecting your life.
- 1
- 2
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Prepare
Organize your concerns before speaking with a healthcare professional.
Build My Appointment Notes → - 4
When is it worth getting medical advice?
Many changes around midlife can be associated with the menopause transition, but symptoms can also have other causes.
This information is general and is not a substitute for individual medical advice.
Consider making an appointment if:
- symptoms are interfering with sleep, work or daily life
- bleeding patterns have changed significantly
- you are unsure whether symptoms may be related to menopause
- you want to discuss treatment options
- symptoms are persistent or difficult to manage
Seek more urgent medical advice for symptoms such as:
- very heavy or unexpected bleeding
- bleeding after menopause
- severe chest pain
- fainting
- sudden neurological symptoms
- thoughts of self-harm
Tools that can help you prepare
HRT Question Builder
Create questions to discuss with your healthcare professional.
Not ready to figure everything out today?
Start with the free Midlife Atlas Menopause Starter Kit.
- Symptom checklist
- 30-day symptom tracker
- Appointment checklist
- Questions I want to ask
- + 5 more
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Common questions when you’re just getting started
Can perimenopause start while I still have regular periods?
Yes. Some changes, such as sleep disruption, mood changes or hot flashes, can begin while periods are still regular. Cycle changes often follow later.
What age does perimenopause usually begin?
It commonly begins in the mid-40s, though it can start earlier or later. Changes before age 40 are worth discussing with a healthcare professional.
Do I need a blood test to know if I’m in menopause?
Often no. For most women over 45, healthcare professionals usually assess symptoms and period patterns rather than relying on hormone blood tests, which can fluctuate. Testing may be more useful at younger ages.
Can symptoms begin before my periods change?
Yes. Symptoms such as poor sleep, anxiety or brain fog can appear before any noticeable change in cycles.
How long can perimenopause last?
It varies widely — often several years. Some women experience a shorter transition, others a longer one.
Can symptoms continue after menopause?
Yes. Some symptoms can persist for years after the final period, and some, like vaginal dryness, may continue or appear later. Support remains available at every stage.
Should I talk to my doctor about HRT now?
If symptoms are affecting your life, it is reasonable to discuss options — including HRT and non-hormonal approaches — with a qualified clinician. There is no single right time; it depends on your situation and preferences.
How do I know whether a symptom is menopause-related?
You often can’t be certain on your own, because many symptoms have several possible causes. Tracking patterns and discussing them with a healthcare professional is the most reliable way to understand what’s happening.
Health information you can trust
Our guides are written and edited using cited evidence and our published editorial standards.
Evidence-led
Uses reputable medical and scientific sources.
Evidence-sourced
Health content is written against NHS, NICE and Menopause Society guidance.
Regularly updated
Important guidance is reviewed as evidence changes.
Transparent
Editorial standards, corrections and disclosures are publicly available.