Menopause
Explore each Menopause symptom in depth on our Menopause Pages!
Menopause marks the permanent cessation of menstrual periods in a woman, signalling the end of her reproductive years and significant hormonal changes.
It is considered complete after one full year without menstruation. While the average age for menopause is around 50, it can naturally occur anytime between 40 and 60 years of age.
Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, during which a woman's ovaries produce fewer mature eggs, and ovulation becomes irregular.
This period is marked by a decline in the production of estrogen and progesterone, with the significant drop in estrogen being responsible for most menopausal symptoms. These symptoms tend to intensify as the menopause process progresses, which can span several years.
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Symptoms
Menopause brings a variety of symptoms due to hormonal changes. It's essential to explore strategies and treatments to enhance well-being during this phase.
Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Irregular periods during perimenopause
- Sleep disturbances or insomnia
- Mood swings, irritability, or feelings of depression
- Discomfort during intercourse
- Decreased libido or changes in sexual function
- Difficulty concentrating or memory lapses ("brain fog")
- Dry skin and changes in skin elasticity
- Weight gain, especially around the abdomen
- Vagina atrophy
These symptoms can range from mild to severe and may last for a few months to several years. Women experiencing significant discomfort should consider consulting a healthcare professional for advice on managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
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Coping with the symptoms
HRT is commonly used by women to assist with relieving the symptoms of menopause and eating a well balanced diet with plenty of Vitamin D, fresh fruit and vegetables and also with plenty of protein is the optimal diet when coping with the symptoms of menopause. HT is most commonly prescribed in pill form. However, estrogen can also be given by using skin patches and vaginal creams.
Estrogen therapy (ET) involves taking estrogen alone, which is no longer being made by the body. ET is often prescribed for women who have had a hysterectomy. Estrogen is prescribed as pills, skin patches, and vaginal creams.
Estrogen alternatives, also called synthetic estrogen, can also improve symptoms of menopause.
Homeopathy and herbal treatments may also offer some relief from various some symptoms of menopause.
Both Estrogen alternatives and supplements can also help relieve the underlying cause of hot flashes and night sweats.
For most women, HRT and diet are the main ways they cope with the changes and symptoms.
Explore each Menopause symptom in depth on our Menopause Pages!
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