Menopause

All women will experience menopause. Nevertheless, the various symptoms accompanying this natural process can produce anxiety and concern for many women.

Menopause is the stage in a woman’s life when her periods stop and the ovaries lose their reproductive function.

A change in hormone levels influences menopause. The ovaries produce oestrogen during a woman’s reproductive life, although the adrenal glands also provide small amounts. Over time, the number of eggs in the ovary decreases and oestrogen levels fall. This process can start from the age of 40 and take several years, during which symptoms increase gradually. This gradual change is called the ‘peri-menopause’.

At around 50-55, the monthly cycle finally stops, which means periods also stop. This is menopause.

For all women, menopause is a personal experience. However, reducing oestrogen can cause symptoms that can be distressing and may require treatment.

Hot flushes are the most common symptom of menopause. Other symptoms include night sweats, insomnia, low mood, anxiety, vaginal dryness, reduced libido, frequency and urgency of urinating, dry skin and dry eyes. However, symptoms vary hugely in duration, severity and impact.

Decreasing oestrogen production can also affect other parts of the body, including the brain, causing changes in emotional well-being and the skin, altering its elasticity and thickness.

Once the ovaries have stopped producing oestrogen, longer-term effects can become apparent. For example, the strength and density of bones can diminish, which increases the risk of osteoporosis.

Symptoms of menopause can be treated effectively with different types of hormone replacement, such as:

• Hormonal therapy.
• Menopause hormone therapy.
• Estrogen replacement therapy.