The Menopause
The menopause is the name given to the end of menstruation (periods). It is also sometimes referred to as ‘the change of life'. This happens because the ovaries stop producing hormones and ovulation (egg production) stops. Surgical removal of the ovaries also causes the menopause. A woman is said to have reached the menopause once she has not had a period for one year. After this point, she can be described as ‘post-menopausal'. The length of time leading up to the menopause is known as the ‘peri-menopause'. The average age of the natural menopause is around 50-51 years. Menopause before the age of 45 years is regarded as early.
What are the symptoms of the menopause?
Some women get no symptoms and most women get a few symptoms. The rage of physical and emotional changes that many women experience are due to the changing hormone levels.
The commonest symptom as the menopause approaches is a change in the menstrual cycle – sometimes the periods get closer together and sometimes they get less frequent.
Other common symptoms are:
• Hot flushes
• Night sweats
• Vaginal dryness
• Joint aches and pains
• Sleep disturbance
• Mood changes
• Bladder irritability
What you can do to help your symptoms of the menopause?
Although there are several simple things that women do to help their symptoms, some women do not find these enough. Some women take HRT and some take herbal preparations. HRT stands for Hormone Replacement Therapy. HRT replaces the hormones that the ovaries stop making. It is usually given as tablets or a patch. HRT also comes as a skin gel, a nasal spray and a ring that is put inside the vagina. The main ingredient in HRT is the hormone oestrogen. HRT can be discussed in more detail with your GP, Practice Nurse or at the Menopause clinic if you have been referred by you GP.
Alternative Therapies
Some people have found that alternative medicines have helped their menopause symptoms. However, research has not yet proved whether these really are effective and care must be taken when using herbal remedies as they can cause side effects and may interact with conventional medicines. If you suffer from any medical condition, you should consult your GP or Practice Nurse for advice before commencing any alternative medicines.
What about osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is the thinning of the bones and thin bones are more likely to break. After periods stop, the bones start to become thinner because oestrogen from the ovaries had helped to keep bones strong.
What you can do to keep healthy during the menopause?
The menopause is the perfect time to look at your diet and lifestyle and aim to make some positive changes which may ease some menopause symptoms.
*Eat a balanced diet with plenty of calcium and vitamin D. Increase your intake of fruit and vegetables and fibre and try to cut back on saturated fats.
*Take weight bearing physical activity such as walking and aim for a minimum of 30 minutes a day at least five times a week. Also aim to do regular strengthening and balancing work two to three times a week such as yoga, pilates and Tai-Chi. If you regularly attend a gym, ask your fitness instructor to advise you on how to use weight-resistance machines.
• Keep within a healthy weight range
• Stop smoking! Stopping will improve the health of your heart and your bones.
• Keep within recommended alcohol intakes – not more than 14 units per week for women
• Get your blood pressure checked out to make sure it is within safe limits
If you would like to discuss any symptoms of the menopause, you could speak to your GP or Practice Nurse or ask your GP to refer you to the menopause clinic which is run by the Sexual Health Department at Heathfield Clinic in Ayr .
For further information/weblink: www.menopausematters.co.uk
National Osteoporosis Society: www.nos.org.uk