The menopause is what happens when a woman stops having periods and is no longer able to get pregnant naturally. Periods usually start to become less frequent over a few months or years before they stop altogether. Sometimes they can stop suddenly.
The menopause is a natural part of ageing that usually occurs between 45 and 55 years of age, as a woman’s oestrogen levels decline. In the UK, the average age for a woman to reach the menopause is 51.
Menopause is a natural biological process. But the physical symptoms, such as hot flushes, and emotional symptoms of menopause may disrupt your sleep, lower your energy or affect emotional health. There are many effective treatments available, from lifestyle adjustments to hormone therapy.
Age and menopause
But around 1 in 100 women experience the menopause before 40 years of age. This is known as premature menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency
Symptoms of the menopause
Most women will experience menopausal symptoms. Some of these can be quite severe and have a significant impact on your everyday activities.
The most common symptoms include:
- hot flushes
- night sweats
- mood changes
- vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex
- weight gain
- difficulty sleeping
- anxiety
- reduced sex drive (libido)
- problems with memory and concentration
- Hair thinning
Menopausal symptoms can begin months or even years before your periods stop and last around 4 years after your last period, although some women experience them for much longer.
There are 34 symptoms of menopause!
Treatments for menopausal symptoms
We offer a range of treatments and suggest lifestyle changes. Sometimes severe menopausal symptoms interfere with your day-to-day life, for other women they are a discomfort
Treatments
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) – tablets, skin patches, gels and implants that relieve menopausal symptoms by replacing oestrogen
Vaginal oestrogen creams, lubricants or moisturisers for vaginal dryness
Emotional support and Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – a type of talking therapy that can help with low mood and anxiety
Diet advice -eating a healthy, balanced diet and exercising regularly – maintaining a healthy weight and staying fit and strong can improve some menopausal symptoms
Start the process with a well woman check and talk to us about helping you through your symptoms.