MENOPAUSE

One of the certainties in a middle-aged woman’s life is the menopause.

Menopause is a natural, biological process that occurs when menstrual periods cease. Although the average age of this occurring is around 52 years, the process begins about 8-10 years earlier. This phase is known as the perimenopause.

What are the symptoms of perimenopause/menopause?

From about 40 years, oestrogen levels start to drop in women. Fluctuations in female hormones leads to a multitude of symptoms which we call perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms.

Some of these include:

• Hot flushes
• Weight gain
• Brain fog
• Anxiety and low mood
• Joint pains
• Insomnia
• Reduction in libido
• Vaginal dryness

The perimenopause can be a very difficult time for women. Sometimes, symptoms can be so debilitating that this can lead to social isolation. According to the British Menopause Society, 75% in the UK say that the menopause has caused them to change their life, with more than 50% saying that it had had a negative impact on their lives. Symptoms can have an effect on relationships, work and general well-being.

Fortunately, research in this area has been active and we know that there are many interventions and lifestyle changes that can take place to smoothen this transitional phase.

What can you do to help reduce menopausal symptoms?

 Menopausal symptoms can be reduced or alleviated to an extent by simple lifestyle changes.  Some of the ways you can help yourself are listed below:

• Eating a well-balanced, varied diet with plenty of whole foods, fruits, vegetables, legumes, proteins and nuts.
• Reduce intake of processed food and refined sugars
• Reducing alcohol intake
• Keeping active by engaging in cardiovascular exercise and weight training
• Meditation, mindfulness and reducing stress where you can
• Optimising sleep by getting 7-9 hours of good quality sleep a night

What can we at Chelmsford Private GPs do to help you through this phase?

We will initially chat to you to find out what your symptoms are and then together, we will work out a management plan that best suits you.

There are various hormonal and non-hormonal medications to help menopausal symptoms. The pros and cons of each of these treatment modalities will be discussed with you in detail. At Chelmsford Private GPs, we pride ourselves in treating you holistically, so we will look at every facet of your life that the menopause is affecting.

What are the medical options available for me to help me through the menopause?

There is evidence to show that HRT can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis (brittle bones) and perhaps dementia too. However, HRT is not suitable for everyone. Through our detailed history taking, we will work out the best approach for you – this could be either non-hormonal methods or hormonal methods (HRT).

To book an appointment with us at Chelmsford Private GPs to discuss the menopause, please call 01245 203838 or book online. We are based at Phoenix Hospital in Great Baddow, Chelmsford.