Frequently asked questions
The questions women ask us most, answered briefly and honestly. Can't find yours? Send it to us — we answer every message.
About menopause
- What is the difference between perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause?
- Perimenopause is the phase in which your hormones start fluctuating while you still have periods. Menopause is a single point in time: twelve months after your final period. Everything after that is postmenopause.
- At what age does menopause usually start?
- Most women notice the first changes between 40 and 47. The average age of the final period is around 51.
- How long do symptoms last?
- Seven to ten years on average, with the most intense period around the final menstruation. Some symptoms, such as vaginal dryness, do not resolve on their own without treatment.
- Can a blood test prove I am in perimenopause?
- Hormone levels swing from day to day in perimenopause, so a normal result rules nothing out. Your age, cycle and symptom pattern say far more. A six-week symptom diary is the most useful thing you can bring to an appointment.
- When should I see a doctor?
- If symptoms affect your work, sleep or relationships, if they start before you are 40, or if you have any bleeding after menopause. Bleeding after menopause is never a normal part of the transition and should always be checked.
- Is hormone therapy safe?
- For many healthy women under 60, the benefits of hormone therapy outweigh the risks, but it is an individual decision that depends on your history. Discuss it with your doctor. MenoCircle explains the options neutrally; we do not recommend or prescribe treatment.
About MenoCircle
- Is MenoCircle a medical service?
- No. MenoCircle provides lifestyle information, education and self-tracking tools. We do not diagnose, treat or prescribe, and we are not a substitute for your doctor.
- Is the app free?
- Yes. The daily check-in, your recent symptom timeline and the community are free. VIP membership adds structured programmes, your complete history and all guides.
- Is the app available in English?
- The app currently runs in Dutch, with the English interface in preparation on app.menocircle.com. This English website is live now, and the English editions of the guides are in production.
- Who writes your content?
- The MenoCircle editorial team, checked against reputable public health sources. 'Marieke' is the digital guide inside the app, not a practitioner.
- Which currency do you charge in?
- Prices are currently shown in euro. Localised international pricing is being prepared.