What is menopause?
The menopause It is a natural and inevitable stage in a woman’s life, marking the transition from the fertile period to a phase of physical and psychological change, which manifests itself differently for each woman.
The menopause usually occurs between between the ages of 40 and 55, diagnosed following the onset of suggestive symptoms and signs, as well as confirmation by laboratory tests.
This stage is often preceded by a period known as perimenopause, which can begin several years before the last menstrual period. During perimenopause, hormone levels – particularly those of oestrogen and progesterone – begin to fluctuate, leading to changes in the menstrual cycle and manifesting as a variety of symptoms.
Above all, it is important to understand that the menopause is not an illness, but rather a stage in a woman’s life characterised by hormonal and metabolic changes.
What are the symptoms? menopause?
The symptoms of the menopause vary significantly from woman to woman; the most common are:
• Weight gain;
• Hot flushes / vasomotor symptoms;
• Loss of sexual desire;
• Vaginal dryness;
• Joint pain/stiffness;
• Non-restorative sleep;
• Mood swings, anxiety, depression, irritability.
Personalised Treatment
The diversity of experiences makes it essential to take a personalised approach to the menopause, recognising and responding to the specific needs of each woman.
Following a medical assessment, women have a comprehensive assessment, including medical examinations, laboratory tests and imaging tests (bone densitometry, ultrasound, mammography or breast MRI, gynaecological ultrasound) so that an individualised treatment plan can be drawn up, taking into account family and personal history of cancer, hormone-dependent conditions, thrombophilia, liver disease or migraine.
The personalised approach includes tailored hormone replacement therapies, as well as strategies for lifestyle changes and for managing the psychological changes associated with the menopause, promoting a new sense of balance and healthy ageing.
Benefits
• Symptom Relief: a significant reduction in the troublesome symptoms of the menopause, such as vasomotor symptoms (hot flushes) and mood swings.
• Improved Sleep Quality: restoring restful nights’ sleep, promoting a daily sense of rejuvenation.
• Increased Energy and Vitality: a reduction in complaints of joint stiffness and pain; helps women feel revitalised and ready to tackle the challenges of everyday life with more energy and enthusiasm.
• Libido Resolution: Hormone replacement therapy also aims to restore normal libido, as well as to alleviate vaginal dryness, even for women for whom treatments containing oestrogen and progesterone are contraindicated (for example, those with a history of breast cancer).
• Personalised Support: We offer personalised, ongoing support to tailor your treatment to your needs and ensure long-lasting results.
Menopause should therefore be an opportunity for women to redefine their identity and embrace the physical and emotional changes with wisdom and confidence.
At LMR, we understand the complexity of this stage and are here to offer support, information and personalised treatments that will enable every woman to experience this journey with confidence, vitality and wellbeing.
Medical Specialists
About
Dr Carolina Lalanda / Endocrinologist
DOCTORS' ASSOCIATION: registration no. 46385, specialising in Endocrinology.
Dr Carolina Lalanda has a degree in Medicine from the Faculty of Medical Sciences of Lisbon and is specialising in Endocrinology by St Mary's Hospital since 2015. For the last 10 years, she has been dedicated to the study and treatment of endocrine and metabolic imbalances with emphasis on weight loss.
About
Dr Daniela Salazar / Endocrinologist
DOCTORS' ASSOCIATION: certificate no. 60372, specialising in Endocrinology.
Dr Daniela Salazar completed her Integrated Master's Degree in Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto.
His main areas of interest include healthy weight loss and menopause treatment.
About
Dr Isa Caçador Agudo / Lifestyle Medicine
DOCTORS' ASSOCIATION: Registration No. 48148, specialist in Internal Medicine.
Dr Isa Caçador Agudo has the support of 18 years’ clinical experience, 10 years as a Specialist in Internal Medicine in the A&E Department, Inpatient Ward, Intensive Care Unit and Outpatient Clinics for Complex Chronic Conditions, Multimorbidity and Polypharmacy.
For years, he worked treating established conditions: heart attacks, heart failure, strokes, kidney failure, diabetes and all their complications. Many lives are saved every day in A&E, but the same patterns keep repeating themselves: the same conditions that could have been prevented.
This experience has changed the way medicine thinks and led it to broaden its focus to what can be done earlier, whilst there is still everything to protect.
Did advanced training in Lifestyle Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Institute of Lifestyle Medicine (2026) and specialist clinical training in Menopause and Perimenopause (2025-2026).
She currently offers consultations in Lifestyle Medicine, Menopause and Perimenopause at LMR and Skin Boutique, in Portuguese, English and Spanish.
She is a member of Portuguese Society of Internal Medicine and Portuguese Society of Lifestyle Medicine.
Frequently Asked Questions about
Menopause Consultation
What are the treatment options for the symptoms of the menopause?
There are various approaches to relieving the symptoms of the menopause, including hormone therapies, non-hormonal medicines, lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, and complementary therapies.
Is hormone therapy safe during the menopause?
Hormone therapy can be an effective option for relieving the symptoms of the menopause, but its benefits and risks must be carefully weighed up, taking into account the woman’s medical history, age and other health factors. It is important to emphasise that this involves hormone replacement therapy using hormone levels at appropriate concentrations – not levels higher than those seen in the pre-menopausal period – aiming for the minimum concentration necessary to relieve symptoms.
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What role do diet and exercise play in the management of the menopause?
A balanced diet and regular physical exercise can play a crucial role in managing and controlling the symptoms of the menopause. These lifestyle changes can help women manage their weight, improve their cardiovascular health and reduce menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, as well as regulate sleep and alleviate psychological symptoms such as fatigue and a lack of motivation.
How can the menopause affect a woman’s sex life, and what treatment options are available?
The menopause can affect a woman’s sexual health in various ways, including vaginal dryness and a reduced sex drive. Questions about local hormone therapies, lubricants and sexual counselling are common ways of managing these conditions.
Does the menopause have an impact on cardiovascular health?
Yes, the hormonal changes associated with the menopause can affect cardiovascular health. Questions about strategies for maintaining a healthy heart, such as cardiovascular exercise and dietary changes, are common, particularly amongst women with pre-existing risk factors.
How long does the treatment last?
The duration of treatment for the menopause can vary significantly from one woman to another. Treatment may consist of a short-term approach to relieve acute menopausal symptoms, such as hormone therapy, and/or a long-term strategy to manage persistent symptoms and prevent long-term complications, such as lifestyle changes – a balanced diet, regular exercise and stress management techniques. It is essential that decisions regarding the duration of treatment are made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional, taking into account the woman’s overall health and her individual goals and expectations.
