Am I going through the menopause?
Menopause is a natural biological process that all women go through, bringing about a variety of physical and emotional changes that may be unfamiliar or uncomfortable. We are here to help with the menopause and perimenopause.
We believe that knowledge is empowering, and by arming you with the information and support you need in this blog, and via our dedicated menopause consultations, we hope to make your perimenopause and menopause experience as smooth and positive as possible.
What is the menopause?
The menopause is when a woman stops having periods. This is usually diagnosed 12 months after a last menstrual period. This occurs when your ovaries stop releasing eggs (or when the ovaries are surgically removed).
Most women in the UK experience the menopause between the ages of 45-55, with the average age in the UK being 51. In some cases, the menopause can occur before the age of 40, when it is known as premature ovarian insufficiency.
What is the perimenopause?
The perimenopause is the period of time before you reach the menopause. During the perimenopause you will still have periods but may notice a change in your cycles. The perimenopause can last from several months to years, during which women can experience symptoms that have a significant impact on their lives. Half of all women will experience physical and emotional symptoms of the menopause.
What are the symptoms of menopause and perimenopause?
Whilst there are many symptoms that can be due to the changes in hormones, the most commonly encountered symptoms include:
- Night sweats
- Hot flushes or hot flashes
- Vaginal dryness
- Mood disturbance including low mood and mood swings, and increased symptoms of anxiety
- Joint, muscle and skin symptoms
- Loss of libido (interest in sex) / sex drive
How does it feel?
For all women, the menopause is a deeply personal and individual transition, not a medical disease. Every woman will experience menopausal symptoms differently, and so too is the impact on each individual woman’s life.
Some women may feel very little in the way of symptoms, whilst lots of women will experience symptoms that have a varying impact on their daily lives. As women advance into their 40s, the diminishing levels of hormones can cause symptoms.
Often women experiencing symptoms will seek medical advice and we would always advise discussing your symptoms and concerns with a health professional for menopause support.
How can I confirm if I am menopausal?
Often the perimenopause can be diagnosed by listening to a woman’s symptoms and obtaining a thorough medical and menstrual history. Blood tests help with the menopause diagnosis but are often difficult to rely upon due to the natural fluctuations in hormone levels and associated difficulty in interpretation of tests.
Hormones can also be affected by factors such as hormonal contraception or certain prescribed (and non-prescribed) treatments. Some women undergo surgical removal of the ovaries for medical reasons, and this will lead to an immediate menopause, the symptoms of which are very much as for women going through the menopause naturally.
What can I do to help me with my symptoms?
Treatment options for menopausal women include healthy lifestyle changes including exercise, various complementary and alternative therapies, natural remedies offering natural menopause relief, non-prescribed medication including supplements for menopause symptoms, as well as prescribed medication.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the most commonly prescribed medication for the management of symptoms of the perimenopause and menopause. The aim of HRT is to increase the levels of the hormone oestrogen.
Hormone therapy is available in several forms – including tablets, patches, gels and sprays. Based on your medical history, additional hormones such as progestogen are needed alongside HRT, and some women also benefit from testosterone as part of their HRT regime.
HRT is unfortunately not a risk-free treatment for menopause, and like many medicines, the benefits of HRT on possible relief from menopause symptoms and on your life, must be balanced against the risks associated with HRT.
Get the help you need
At Cinnamon Healthcare, to help with the menopause, our experienced clinician Dr D Vinayagam provides dedicated menopause consultations. He will listen to your concerns and support you through your menopause journey.
