Managing 'The Change'
Most women dread it, many don’t know how to deal with it, and too many women obsess over it. But it is important to get the facts straight – as the menopause is inevitable for all women. Every woman’s experience of the change is different; some women will sail through this time without any problems; others will feel as though life ‘as they know it’ has ended.
This guide, however, will hopefully make women feel more empowered – and more willing to seek advice from a health professional if needed. What is The Menopause? The word menopause is derived from Greek and means the ‘end of monthly cycles’. The medical term technically refers to a woman’s last-ever period, but we all know that the menopause means so much more than that.
As the hormone balance changes, the ovaries stop producing eggs, the monthly periods cease and women are no longer able to reproduce.
The menopause is a natural transition for all women, and it is caused by the gradual ‘deterioration’ of the ovaries, which means they produce fewer eggs, resulting in the body’s oestrogen levels falling.
The average age for women to reach the menopause in the UK is 51 to 52, but the reality is that the age at which it occurs varies tremendously. We only know when you have been through the menopause (ie, you become postmenopausal) when you have not had a period for more than a year. In women who have had a hysterectomy, it can be detected with the change of hormones in blood tests.
◆ Menstrual irregularity, which can persist for three to four years in some cases. Periods often become heavier, but can become lighter, with the duration often becoming unpredictable. Only about 10 per cent of women experience an abrupt cessation of their periods.
◆ Hot flushes and sweats are classic symptoms of the menopause, and fl ushes often affect the upper chest, face and neck. Sweats can occur at any time, but typically become most troublesome at night.
◆ Other symptoms include mood swings, headaches, depression, anxiety, irritability, tiredness, reduced libido, memory problems, dry skin, hair loss, vaginal dryness and recurrent urinary tract infections.
Osteoporosis There is strong scientifi c evidence to show that oestrogen has a protective effect on bones. Loss of bone mineral density is more likely in certain women, for example, with early menopause or a family history of osteoporosis, so do seek medical advice.
Cardiovascular disease There is also a correlation between an increased risk of heart disease and stroke, and a lack of oestrogen. Paradoxically, hormone replacement therapies that contain oestrogen may also increase your risk, so it another point to ask your GP.
Contraception This may be surprising to some, but although women’s fertility falls dramatically after 40, it is still possible to become pregnant when approaching the menopause. Therefore, it is recommended that women continue to use contraception until one year after their last period.
For more information: www.patient.co.uk
This guide, however, will hopefully make women feel more empowered – and more willing to seek advice from a health professional if needed. What is The Menopause? The word menopause is derived from Greek and means the ‘end of monthly cycles’. The medical term technically refers to a woman’s last-ever period, but we all know that the menopause means so much more than that.
As the hormone balance changes, the ovaries stop producing eggs, the monthly periods cease and women are no longer able to reproduce.
The menopause is a natural transition for all women, and it is caused by the gradual ‘deterioration’ of the ovaries, which means they produce fewer eggs, resulting in the body’s oestrogen levels falling.
The average age for women to reach the menopause in the UK is 51 to 52, but the reality is that the age at which it occurs varies tremendously. We only know when you have been through the menopause (ie, you become postmenopausal) when you have not had a period for more than a year. In women who have had a hysterectomy, it can be detected with the change of hormones in blood tests.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
Women’s experience of the menopause is variable, but only 10 per cent of women experience symptoms severe enough to consult a doctor. Symptoms can be emotional or physical, or both, and include:◆ Menstrual irregularity, which can persist for three to four years in some cases. Periods often become heavier, but can become lighter, with the duration often becoming unpredictable. Only about 10 per cent of women experience an abrupt cessation of their periods.
◆ Hot flushes and sweats are classic symptoms of the menopause, and fl ushes often affect the upper chest, face and neck. Sweats can occur at any time, but typically become most troublesome at night.
◆ Other symptoms include mood swings, headaches, depression, anxiety, irritability, tiredness, reduced libido, memory problems, dry skin, hair loss, vaginal dryness and recurrent urinary tract infections.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Early menopause Some women go through an early menopause. This is classed as the cessation of periods before the age of 45. In extreme cases, periods stop before the age of 40 and this is often termed ‘premature menopause’ or ‘premature ovarian failure’. There are a number of factors that can lead to an early menopause, such as stress (physical/mental), familial factors (early menopause often runs in families), a hysterectomy, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Early menopause needs to be assessed by a clinician, so consult your GP if you think you are experiencing this.Osteoporosis There is strong scientifi c evidence to show that oestrogen has a protective effect on bones. Loss of bone mineral density is more likely in certain women, for example, with early menopause or a family history of osteoporosis, so do seek medical advice.
Cardiovascular disease There is also a correlation between an increased risk of heart disease and stroke, and a lack of oestrogen. Paradoxically, hormone replacement therapies that contain oestrogen may also increase your risk, so it another point to ask your GP.
Contraception This may be surprising to some, but although women’s fertility falls dramatically after 40, it is still possible to become pregnant when approaching the menopause. Therefore, it is recommended that women continue to use contraception until one year after their last period.
DO I NEED ANY TESTS?
Most women do not need any investigation as the menopause is a natural occurrence and the diagnosis is based on clinical features. However, if you are going through an early menopause, or have had a hysterectomy and are not having periods, blood tests may be useful.DO I NEED ANY TREATMENT?
Most women do not need treatment for menopausal symptoms. However, if the experience is prolonged or interfering with daily life, work or relationships, it is recommended to consult a professional as you could benefi t from some medical input. There are a number of possible treatments, including Hormone Replacement Therapy, which generally involves replacing oestrogen, but which method is right for you will depend on your symptoms and risk factors. It is best to consult your GP.For more information: www.patient.co.uk