What is Menopause
Menopause is a natural part of ageing that usually occurs between 45 and 55 years of age, as a woman’s oestrogen levels decline.
Menopause is a natural biological process, but the physical symptoms, such as hot flashes, and emotional symptoms of menopause may disrupt your sleep, lower your energy or affect emotional health. There are many effective treatments available.
Symptoms usually start a few months or years before your periods stop, known as perimenopause, and can persist for some time afterwards.
On average, most symptoms last around 4 years from your last period. However, around 1 in every 10 women experience them for up to 12 years.
If you experience the menopause suddenly rather than gradually – for example, as a result of cancer treatment – your symptoms may be worse.
Changes to your periods
The first sign of the menopause is usually a change in the normal pattern of your periods.
You may start having either unusually light or heavy periods.
The frequency of your periods may also be affected. You may have them every 2 or 3 weeks, or you may not have them for months at a time. Eventually, you’ll stop having periods altogether.
Common Menopause Symptoms
- Hot flushes
- Night sweats
- Difficulty sleeping
- Reduced sex drive (libido)
- Problems with memory and concentration
- Vaginal dryness and pain, itching or discomfort during sex
- Mood changes, such as low mood or anxiety
- Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Treating menopause
Not all women want treatment to relieve symptoms of the menopause, but treatments are available if you find the symptoms particularly troublesome.
The main treatment for menopausal symptoms is hormone replacement therapy (HRT), although other treatments are also available for some of the symptoms.
Contact us to discuss your symptoms and we can advise you on the best course of action.
Get in touch
If you’d like to book a consultation, or simply discuss your options, contact us today.
