I wish GPs wouldn't use words like failing. Menopause is normal. Every symptom is normal
![welcomemm :welcomemm:](https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/Smileys/extended/welcomemm.gif)
and welcome to the Wonderful World of Confusion
![Wink ;)](https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/Smileys/extended/wink.gif)
Menopause: the last monthly period. Then none. But we don't know until months later if that 'was it', hence the suggestion of being 12 months without a period/show to be in menopause. Peri- is when the hormones begin to falter, come, go ......... mine came and went. I would bleed as normal for me then miss several months. Fortunately without flushes. I did have itchy skin though
![Roll Eyes ::)](https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/Smileys/extended/rolleyes.gif)
It's 'the change'. Does what it says on the tin and sometimes, takes it's time
![Roll Eyes ::)](https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/Smileys/extended/rolleyes.gif)
. Browse round. Make notes.
Some ladies find that keeping a mood/symptom/food diary of use. Lots of threads here about exercise, pets, gardening; we talk about menopause sometimes ;-).