Menopause occurs when a woman has not had a period for 12 consecutive months. Typically, women in the UK undergo menopause around the ages of 51 or 52. However, this timing can vary based on family history and ethnicity. For most women, their final period happens around the age of 50.
Understanding menopause is crucial. Some women may enter menopause earlier, ceasing periods before age 45. It is considered early and termed premature menopause. When periods stop before age 40, it is called Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) or Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI).
Yet, these definitions fail to illuminate what is ahead or the hormonal shift implications. They do not shed light on how menopause affects future health. Many view it merely as freedom from menstruation and contraception worries.
Even if we do not experience hot flushes or night sweats, we might think we have navigated menopause smoothly. While we will all get through it, it is vital to recognise health risks arising from declining female hormones. Much about menopause remains relatively unknown. So, it can be daunting for women facing unexplained bodily changes.
Menopause: Signs and Symptoms
Whether menopause occurs early or at the expected age, the signs and symptoms are the same. Among them are:
#1 Hot flushes and night sweats
Hot flushes and night sweats are the most typical symptoms. You may suddenly feel a heat wave while sipping hot beverages or entering a warm room, causing your internal thermostat to spike. On average, women will have hot flushes for approximately seven years. However, they can persist for much longer.
#2 Anxiety
Anxiety can sneak up on you. It can leave you feeling irritable and stressed in ways you have never experienced before. Many women overlook anxiety as a symptom of menopause, mistaking it for general stress. Consequently, they may turn to antidepressants when Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) could offer more effective relief.
#3 Depression
You may feel persistently low, sleepy, and disinterested in activities you once enjoyed.
For years, many women struggle, often attributing their feelings to depression or dissatisfaction with life. They remain unaware that menopause may underlie their struggles. Menopause can also heighten the risk of depression. It is prevalent in those who have experienced it before.
Some women may make significant changes, such as leaving jobs or relationships. They believe in the cause rather than recognising the impact of low oestrogen levels in the brain. While some may turn to antidepressants, HRT could offer a more effective solution.
#4 Brain fog
The declining levels of oestrogen responsible for many menopausal symptoms also affect brain function. Many experience brain fog, memory lapses, and difficulty recalling words and names. Gynaecologists in London heard from women who fear they may have early dementia. The stress and anxiety originating from these symptoms can lead some to worry about their ability to function at work or in other essential aspects of life.
#5 Sleep
Sleep disturbances can arise from physical and psychological symptoms. These symptoms are associated with menopause, such as night sweats, anxiety, or nocturnal bathroom visits. Further, sleep patterns naturally change as we age, so not all sleep issues can be attributed to menopause.
For numerous women, managing sleep disturbances proves to be one of the most daunting challenges. Addressing sleep problems with the best menopause treatment in London can positively impact other symptoms, such as anxiety and brain fog.
#6 Aches and pains
Many women begin to experience joint pain and discomfort, sometimes misdiagnosed as arthritis. These symptoms can further drain enthusiasm for exercise, leading to muscle loss and weight gain.
#7 Weight gain
Weight gain is a prevalent issue during menopause. Many factors, such as hormones and genetics, influence it. For many women, fat distribution shifts towards the midsection, altering their body shape from a pear to an apple. Additionally, menopause can lead to muscle loss if physical activity decreases, resulting in a reduced calorie requirement.
Many people turn to emotional eating and ramp up their alcohol intake as ways to cope with sleep disruptions and stress. It can aggravate weight gain during menopause.
#8 Changes in sensation
Menopause can introduce various unusual sensations to the body. Some women experience tingling and numbness in their hands and feet, while others may feel as though insects are crawling on their skin. Changes to the nervous system can also manifest as varying degrees of dizziness and alterations in taste and smell perception.
#9 Changes in appearance
Thinning hair is a common effect of hormonal shifts during menopause. Dental issues can also arise for some women.
Menopause can diminish collagen quality in the body, resulting in saggy skin and increased wrinkles. Some women may notice a resurgence of acne or start experiencing hirsutism. It involves the growth of hair on the face, chest and breasts.
Dryness is another prevalent symptom. It affects various areas like the eyes, skin and mouth. Dry skin can cause irritation and itching, while nail changes may occur during this transition.
#10 Vaginal, vulval, and bladder symptoms
Oestrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of the vulvar, vaginal and bladder tissues. So, hormonal fluctuations during menopause can lead to symptoms in these areas. Like the eyes, mouth, and skin, the vulvar and vaginal tissues may become dry and delicate, causing discomfort during sexual intercourse.
Furthermore, decreased oestrogen levels in bladder tissue can contribute to unpleasant symptoms such as painful urination and increased frequency, particularly at night. Also, menopause heightens the likelihood of urinary tract infections.
#11 Lower sex drive
A recent survey revealed that up to 40-50% of women aged between 45 and 65 experience a decline in interest in sex as they navigate perimenopause, menopause, and beyond. Factors such as hormonal changes, vaginal dryness, and post-coital urinary infections can contribute to diminished sexual desire and pleasure.
Managing a busy life alongside menopausal symptoms can aggravate low libido in many women. However, understand that menopause affects each woman differently. Some may find that their sex drive improves as they gain more time for themselves and their relationships.
#12 Breast tenderness
Breast tissue sensitivity to hormones may result in tenderness, pain, burning, or soreness during the perimenopause and menopause transition. Changes in oestrogen and progestogen levels are likely responsible for these symptoms.
Breast pain and tenderness are not typical signs of breast cancer. But, it is crucial to consult a doctor regarding any breast changes.
#13 Fatigue
Fatigue and tiredness are prevalent symptoms of menopause. It often leaves you feeling drained and unable to engage in activities as before. Fatigue can further contribute to feelings of low mood, creating a cycle of decreased energy.
Sleep disturbances, such as hot flushes, night sweats, muscle aches, and nocturnal bathroom visits, may contribute to daytime tiredness. Additionally, stress and anxiety can interfere with sleep patterns, worsening fatigue.
#14 Fertility issues
Fertility begins to decline around age 30 and diminishes more significantly after 35. During perimenopause, fertility further decreases, although pregnancy remains possible, necessitating the continued use of contraception.
As you reach your 50s, your fertility keeps decreasing. By the time you hit 55, you can usually stop using contraception, even if you still experience menstrual bleeding.
For those experiencing premature menopause (premature ovarian insufficiency – POI) and desiring pregnancy, performing a fertility test in London from a specialist gynaecology clinic is essential. It is uncommon for women with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) to conceive naturally. However, some may experience a spontaneous return of ovulation, particularly if the underlying cause of premature menopause remains unidentified.
Consult a doctor if you notice symptoms of breast cancer like:
- Breast lump
- Changes in breast tissue thickness
- Skin changes
- Nipple changes or discharge
- Swelling in the armpits.
The doctors can advise you on your unique journey, listen and give practical help. You can book an appointment with skilled doctors at a menopause clinic to discuss your menopause symptoms.
How Long Does Menopause Last?
Many people misunderstand the duration of menopause. Once our periods have ceased for 12 consecutive months, they would not return. Any vaginal bleeding occurring after this period warrants contacting your private gynaecologist in London. It could signal changes in the uterine lining, necessitating medical attention. While light spotting or bleeding might occur initially upon starting hormone replacement therapy in London, your doctor will guide you in this.
Rather than focusing solely on the duration of menopause itself, it is crucial to inquire about the duration of its symptoms. These symptoms, such as night sweats and hot flushes, known as vasomotor symptoms, typically persist for an average of two years.
Understanding all aspects of menopause, especially its symptoms and post-menopausal expectations, is essential. Take your time to gather relevant information and address concerns about this natural phase of life.
Menopause Treatment
Menopause care does not follow a one-size-fits-all approach. It is all about finding the best treatment based on your circumstances. Therefore, private gynaecologists in London commence consultations by dedicating ample time to understand you.
They advocate for a holistic approach to empower you in managing menopause symptoms. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and other medicinal options can address lifestyle factors like nutrition and fitness, as well as offering sex and relationship counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and coaching. Here are some menopause treatment options:
#1 Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
HRT proves effective for most women in alleviating menopause symptoms. It also delivers long-term health benefits like reducing the risk of osteoporosis and, for many, heart disease. During consultations, your doctor will discuss HRT, explaining its benefits and threats tailored to you and dispelling any misconceptions.
However, some women don’t choose HRT due to personal preferences, while others may be medically ineligible. In such cases, you can select alternative treatments according to your unique concerns during consultation.
#2 Prescribable alternatives to HRT
Gynaecologists will discuss alternative prescribable medications known to assist with menopause symptoms. And provide prescriptions as necessary.
We understand the complexities of life – the juggling act between work, home, and personal matters. It can worsen menopause symptoms, impacting various facets of life.
Addressing these complexities requires a holistic approach to regain control over symptoms and thrive.
Thus, contacting a team of private gynaecologists in London will help in symptom management.
#3 Exercise
Recognising the potency of exercise, backed by evidence of its benefits, gynaecologists advocate for its incorporation despite the challenges of fatigue and exhaustion.
#4 Diet and nutrition
Diet and nutrition are integral to overall health, impacting well-being, weight management, and long-term health during menopause. Collaborating with a nutritionist or dietitian can facilitate dietary adjustments conducive to your health.
#5 Sex and relationship counselling
Menopause can disrupt sex drive and relationships. In addition to medical interventions like HRT, including testosterone and vaginal oestrogens, support may be necessary to nurture relationships.
#6 CBT and other therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can assist in challenging unproductive thought patterns and breaking the cycle of negative thinking and behaviour.
#7 Coaching
Coaching offers a platform to evaluate life changes and progress, mitigating stress.
Tailoring a treatment plan that blends various approaches might be the best action. Whatever path you choose, the treatment plan must align with your preferences and needs.
My Final Verdict
Menopause brings irreversible effects. It is crucial to understand about the changes occurring in your body. Consider the following observations:
- Your bone density decreases by 5% within the first year of menopause. And decline by 1% annually after that.
- Women aged 50 and above face heightened risks of strokes and heart attacks.
- Over time, the vaginal lining deteriorates, causing dryness, discomfort during intercourse, and recurrent urinary tract infections.
- Increased sensitivity and itchiness in the vulva may indicate lichen sclerosus. It requires lifelong management with steroids and emollients with regular monitoring for precancerous changes.
- The skin becomes thinner and more susceptible to damage due to minor injuries and UV light exposure.
It is imperative to plan for life after reproductive years. Consider measures such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle, following a balanced diet, and using Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) as part of preventive care.
