The female menopause is characterised as the point at which a woman stops menstruating, or having monthly periods, and is therefore no longer able to fall pregnant naturally.
This process is gradual, with periods becoming less frequent and irregular, until they eventually stop altogether; although for some people they do just stop one day. It occurs due to the levels of the sex hormone oestrogen declining, as the ovaries stop producing as much as they once did, and no longer release an egg each month.
This usually happens to women between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average age in the UK being 51. Some women do experience a premature menopause which can happen before the age of 40, but this is less common.
The female menopause can cause a variety of symptoms, some of which can impact quite severely on daily life and comfort. These include hot flushes, night sweats, difficulty sleeping, depression or feeling low and anxious, memory loss and poor concentration, a reduced sex drive or lower libido, plus vaginal dryness which usually causes discomfort during sexual intercourse. Such symptoms can start some time before there is a noticeable change in a woman`s menstrual cycle and act as the early warning that someone is perimenopausal or starting the menopause. The symptoms usually go on to last several years after the periods have stopped. How long they last varies depending on the individual.
Although experiencing the symptoms at the appropriate age is often enough to confirm that a woman is menopausal, a simple blood test to check hormone levels can confirm the diagnosis through your GP.
A variety of treatments and lifestyle changes can be recommended to relieve symptoms, some of which are available through the NHS and others through the private healthcare system. These include Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) which seeks to replace lost hormones, including oestrogen, to relieve symptoms, Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) a more natural and advanced form of HRT, creams to relieve vaginal dryness, psychological therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to alleviate mood concerns, and advice on healthy eating and exercise which can help with some of the menopausal symptoms.
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1 The Different Stages of Menopause
Menopause impacts all women as they get older, with varying symptoms causing both mental and physical challenges on their journey through it.
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Length of Menopause
On average, perimenopause (before your periods completely stop) last four years. In some cases, women can experience perimenopause for up to 10 years.
Testing for Menopause
If you’re not feeling quite yourself and are noticing changes in your moods and periods, then you could be menopausal. This is perfectly normal if you’re a biological woman in your 40s, but not so usual if you’re younger.
Recognising The Signs Of Menopause
Every woman will go through menopause in her life. This is usually between the ages of 45-55, but in rare cases can start earlier or later.
Alternative Therapies to Manage Menopause Symptoms
While Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is the main clinical treatment available to help regulate your hormones and calm menopausal symptoms, there are alternative therapies you can try.
The Emotional Impact of the Menopause: Coping Strategies and Support
Menopause can real take its toll on women’s mental health, leaving some feeling extremely low and anxious. If you are struggling, don’t be scared to try different coping strategies and seek support from your GP.
Menopause and Weight Gain
Many women find that they put on weight when they are perimenopausal or menopausal. This can be upsetting, especially when it’s in addition to other challenging menopausal symptoms.
The Best Diet and Exercise Plans for Menopause
Maintaining health and fitness when you’re going through the menopause is extremely valuable in helping to minimise symptoms and reduce weight gain.
Understanding Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is well known as the main treatment method for managing menopausal symptoms. It helps to regulate your hormones, which will ease many of the symptoms associated with menopause.
Managing Hot Flushes and Night Sweats
Getting hot and sweaty for no apparent reason? Waking in the night covered in sweat and demanding all windows are opened?
How Menopause Affects Your Sleep
Many women find that they struggle to sleep during their perimenopausal and menopausal years, which can have a hugely negative impact on your quality of life.
Coping With Menopause at Work
As we know, menopause can have a huge impact on your life – affecting your mood, sleep, weight, anxiety, sex life and more. And while dealing with these changes, we still have to go to work and earn a living.
Menopause and Mental Health
As well as the physical symptoms associated with menopause, it can take a toll on our mental health too. Knowing what to expect and how to manage it will make your journey through ‘the change’ much smoother. Here we detail everything you need to know.
Grow Your Practice with Menopause
Whether you are already treating Menopause or considering adding it to your treatment menu, here is how to make the most of it.
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Menopause Quick FAQs
Clear, Concise Answers to Common Queries
A simple, no-fluff roundup of frequent Menopause questions to help you get the facts fast.
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