The Menopause

‘The change’, ‘the climacteric’, ‘the time of life’—whatever you want to call it, all women go through the menopause after the age of forty five. Most of the time, this is a completely natural process bought about by age although its onset can be accelerated by certain health conditions. Without a doubt, it can also be a time of acute anxiety and distress because of the symptoms that can come with it.

Onset of the menopause can have an enormous impact on your life, both physically and mentally. A study by the North American Menopause Society found that about 75% of women experience at least one symptom of menopause, and about 40% of women experience moderate-to-severe symptoms. The menopause is a deeply personal experience for most women. With such a mixture of physical and psychological effects and their varying intensity, you can feel like your world is changing beyond your control. Some women experience a gradual onset of symptoms over years while for others it may be much quicker. Whatever your situation it’s important to remember that you are not alone. There are treatments, therapies, and support groups available that can ease the symptoms, and let you talk openly about your experiences. All of which could help you feel much more like you again.

 

What is the menopause?

There’s actually two stages, Perimenopause and menopause. Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause and can last up to seven years. Your ovaries gradually produce less oestrogen and progesterone. Menopause is the point at which you have not had a menstrual period for 12 months.

The menopause is the natural end of your menstrual cycle. Your ovaries stop producing oestrogen and progesterone completely. It usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 (the average age being 51), although it can happen earlier or later in life, so if this is you, don’t worry. The change in hormone levels secreted by your ovaries creates an imbalance in your body. The variation in levels from your normal leads to the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.

It should be noted that menopausal changes can be caused by treatments for cancer, including chemotherapy, ovarian ablation, hormone therapy, and hysterectomies.

Perimenopause and menopause symptoms, and their severity, vary from woman to woman. We are all unique after all. Some women may experience no symptoms at

all, while others may experience a wide range of symptoms that can be quite bothersome.

 

What are the most common menopause symptoms?

The most common symptoms of perimenopause and menopause include:

• Hot flushes: These are sudden feelings of intense heat, often accompanied by sweating and redness in the face, neck, and chest. Hot flushes can last for a few seconds or up to several minutes.
• Night sweats: These are episodes of sweating that occur during sleep. Night sweats can leave you feeling hot, wet, and uncomfortable.
• Irregular periods: Your menstrual periods may become irregular during perimenopause. Your periods may be shorter, longer, heavier, or lighter than usual. You may also have more frequent or skipped periods.
• Vaginal dryness: This is a decrease in the amount of moisture in the vagina. Vaginal dryness can make sex uncomfortable or painful.
• Painful urination: This is a burning or stinging sensation when you urinate.

• Mood changes: These can include irritability, anxiety, depression, and mood swings.
• Sleep problems: These can include difficulty falling asleep, waking up during the night, and waking up too early in the morning.
• Weight gain: Some women experience weight gain during perimenopause and menopause. This is often because of a decrease in metabolism and a change in body fat distribution.
  

How can you manage menopause symptoms?

There are several things you can do to manage the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, including:

• Lifestyle changes: These can include things like getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, limiting or reducing alcohol consumption, and getting enough sleep.
• Over-the-counter medications: There are several over-the-counter medications that can help relieve some symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, such as hot flashes and night sweats. Please consult your

clinician before taking these as they could interact with your other medications.

• Prescription medications: There are also several prescription medications that can help relieve some symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.
• Complementary and alternative therapies: Acupuncture, yoga, and meditation can all help relieve some symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.