The term 'menopause' is literally 'the last period'. But because hormones are devilish
![Angry >:(](https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/Smileys/extended/angry.gif)
periods can wax and wane for years
![Roll Eyes ::)](https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/Smileys/extended/rolleyes.gif)
until they disappear. Sometimes even then they pop back
![Angry >:(](https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/Smileys/extended/angry.gif)
.
GPs can do blood tests and I'm sure someone will let you know which ones to ask for but symptoms are useful too. Some ladies find that keeping a mood/food/symptom diary means that they don't forget how good/bad they can feel. Also taking a list to the appt.s can help.
Post menopausal doesn't happen for some ladies: peri is those years leading up to the loss of periods, then we go into menopause. End of. Except for some, it ain't. Symptoms persist and require treatment.
Vaginal atrophy probably needs life-long treatment but does that mean that a lady hasn't 'gone through' to the other side, probably does if she has no other symptoms. 4 me I have itchy skin which is bearable; vaginal atrophy is treated; fortunately nothing else so I consider myself 'out the other side'.