Menopause check: the menopause test with personal advice

You often notice it through a more irregular cycle and symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats or poor sleep. A test does not give certainty; your GP (huisarts) looks at your symptoms and your cycle. That is why the check asks about both.

An online test can help you put your symptoms in order, but it does not give a diagnosis. This check uses the NHG-Standaard De overgang and names the source with every piece of advice. Your GP (huisarts) looks further, for example at other causes of your symptoms. Print your result and take it with you.

According to the NHG-Standaard De overgang (2022), hormone therapy can be an option if hot flushes cause you serious problems. The authors then consider the risks acceptable for use of less than five years. You weigh up the pros and cons together with your GP (huisarts). For some conditions, such as hormone-sensitive cancer or thrombosis, hormones are not suitable according to Thuisarts.

Hormones are medicines, and you get them on prescription from a doctor who knows your situation. No hormones are prescribed or sold via this site. Discuss with your GP (huisarts) whether hormones suit you, especially if you have had a condition such as thrombosis, a stroke or breast cancer.

According to the NHG-Standaard De overgang, it has not been shown that black cohosh and phyto-oestrogens reduce symptoms. Black cohosh has been linked to reports of liver damage. The Thuisarts decision cards also say that products with plants, herbs or vitamins do not help and can sometimes be dangerous. Tell your GP (huisarts) what you are taking.

Thuisarts lists gaining weight as a symptom that the menopause can cause. The Voedingscentrum (Netherlands Nutrition Centre) writes that energy use at rest appears to decrease after the menopause. So if you eat the same as before, you may slowly gain weight. More explanation can be found under gaining and losing weight in the menopause years.

According to the NHG-Standaard De overgang, losing weight and exercising more have health benefits, but it has not been shown that they reduce hot flushes. If you want to be less troubled by hot flushes, discuss this with your GP (huisarts). If you want to tackle your weight because it benefits your health and energy, support can help. The check shows which route fits your goal.

There is no quick fix. The Voedingscentrum (Netherlands Nutrition Centre) explains that women going through the menopause are more likely to have fat around the organs in the abdomen. Losing weight steadily, with attention to eating, exercise and sleep, is the basis. Measure your waist circumference to track your progress. A coach can help you keep up those habits.

Bleeding after a year without periods is called postmenopausal bleeding. According to patient information based on the NVOG guideline, the cause is usually harmless, but it must always be examined. So contact your GP (huisarts). If you use hormones and have unexpected bleeding, call your GP as well.

For vaginal dryness, the NHG-Standaard De overgang recommends trying hormone-free products first. Ask your GP (huisarts) or pharmacy which product suits you. If that does not help enough, discuss with your GP what else is possible. It is a symptom you can feel free to bring up.

Yes. Many women notice the first symptoms while they are still having periods, often with a more irregular cycle. The check then asks whether you use contraception, because you can still get pregnant. That is important when choosing a treatment. Your GP (huisarts) takes it into account in the advice.

Tell them which symptoms you have, for how long and how much they affect your daily life. Also mention your cycle, medication and supplements, and conditions you have had, such as thrombosis or breast cancer. The result of the check sets this out for you; print it or save it as a PDF.

Equivalent to €3.55 per day. Support from Overgewicht Nederland B.V. costs €108 per month or €1,295 per year, for 12 months. According to the provider, almost half of the coaching sessions are about hormones and the menopause. Medication is not included. The menopause check itself and the advice are free.

A visit to the GP (huisarts) is covered by basic health insurance (basisverzekering). If you have a BMI of 25 or more with a large waist circumference or a weight-related condition, you may be eligible for the combined lifestyle intervention (GLI), without compulsory excess (eigen risico). You pay for support from Overgewicht Nederland B.V. yourself. Ask your insurer what your supplementary insurance (aanvullende verzekering) covers.

The check works in your own browser. As long as you do not send anything, your answers do not reach us. If you ask for a call back, we only send your contact details. Your health answers are only included if you tick a separate box for that, and they never go to an external form.