Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. It is a significant transition that affects a woman’s body in many ways, both physically and emotionally. Menopause typically occurs between 45 and 55, with the average age being 51.

What is Menopause?

Menopause is defined as the point in time when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. This occurs because the ovaries stop producing eggs, and the levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone decrease. These hormones play a crucial role in regulating a woman’s reproductive system, so their decline can cause a range of symptoms.

Symptoms

There are many symptoms associated with menopause, and they can vary from woman to woman. Some of the most common symptoms include:

1. Hot flushes: sudden feelings of warmth, often accompanied by sweating and a rapid heartbeat.
2. Night sweats: hot flushes that occur during sleep, causing sweating and discomfort.
3. Vaginal dryness: a decreased estrogen can cause the vagina to become dry and thin, leading to discomfort during sex.
4. Mood changes: menopause can cause mood swings, irritability, and depression.
5. Insomnia: difficulty sleeping is a common symptom of menopause.
6. Changes in libido: a decrease in estrogen can cause a decrease in sexual desire.
7. Changes in the menstrual cycle: periods may become irregular and may eventually stop.

How to Manage Menopause Symptoms

While menopause is natural, the symptoms can be uncomfortable and disruptive to daily life. There are several ways to manage the symptoms, including:

1. Hormone therapy involves taking estrogen and progesterone to replace the hormones that are no longer produced by the ovaries.
2. Lifestyle changes: eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and practising stress-reduction techniques like yoga and meditation can help manage menopause symptoms.
3. Medications: there are several medications available that can help manage specific symptoms
4. Natural remedies: some women find relief from the symptoms using natural remedies like black cohosh, soy, and flaxseed.

I think I might be menopausal – how can I know for sure?

The easiest way is with a blood test for a range of female hormones, a clinical assessment of any signs and symptoms and a review of your menstrual patterns. Having a consultation with one of our doctors, along with a few helpful blood tests, will help us understand your status and what support you might need, if any.

Please book online or call us and speak to our helpful team.