All guides

• How long does HRT take to work? A week-by-week timeline

  HRT (hormone replacement therapy, also called MHT) often starts to ease hot flashes within days to weeks, and the NHS says symptoms should improve after a few days or weeks. In one 12-week trial, most of the hot flash gain showed by week 4. If nothing has changed by about 3 months, ask your prescriber for a review.

• Is there a test for perimenopause? What guidelines say

  No test can confirm perimenopause. It is diagnosed from your age, symptoms and period changes, and hormone levels swing too much to settle it (Australasian Menopause Society). If you are over 45, you usually need no blood test. If you are under 45 with changed periods, ask about one.