Menopause is a significant life transition for every woman, yet it is often surrounded by misinformation, confusion, and stigma. In this blog, we explain menopause, its symptoms, the treatments available, and the critical role of preventative health in supporting women during this phase.
This blog is written from information taken from the Wealth of Health podcast episode ‘Navigating Menopause: The Facts You NEED To Know.’
What Exactly Is Menopause?
Menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. It typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 but can happen earlier or later for some women. Menopause is officially diagnosed after a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, signifying the end of natural fertility. Prior to menopause, women undergo a phase called perimenopause, where hormonal fluctuations begin, and symptoms can appear gradually. These hormonal changes lead to various physical and emotional symptoms that affect every woman differently.
However, despite its universal occurrence, menopause is frequently under-recognised, and many women are not properly informed about what to expect during this life transition. This lack of awareness often leads to confusion, unnecessary anxiety, and a delay in seeking appropriate treatment.
Common Symptoms of Menopause
The symptoms of menopause can vary greatly, with some women experiencing only mild changes, while others may face significant disruptions in their daily lives. The most reported symptoms include:
- Hot Flushes and Night Sweats: These sudden, intense waves of heat can occur at any time and are often accompanied by sweating and discomfort. Hot flushes are one of the hallmark signs of menopause and can occur during the day or at night.
- Sleep Disturbances: Hormonal shifts often interfere with sleep patterns, causing difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep through the night. This can lead to chronic fatigue and irritability.
- Mood Swings and Mental Health: Fluctuations in oestrogen levels can affect the brain’s regulation of mood, leading to symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, and depression.
- Vaginal Dryness: A decrease in oestrogen levels can cause the vaginal tissues to become thinner and less lubricated, resulting in discomfort during sexual activity.
- Memory Issues: Many women report difficulty concentrating and experiencing what is commonly known as “brain fog” during menopause. This is thought to be linked to hormonal changes that affect cognitive function.
Why is Menopause Under-Recognised?
One major issue with menopause is that it is often under-recognised by both healthcare providers and the women experiencing it. Women frequently report symptoms like sleep disturbances, mood swings, and cognitive changes but are unaware that these are likely linked to hormonal fluctuations associated with menopause. The podcast highlighted that many women often visit doctors to seek help for anxiety, insomnia, or depression without realising that these symptoms may be due to the onset of perimenopause.
As noted in the podcast, education is key to empowering women to understand what’s happening in their bodies and seek the appropriate help. Many women simply don’t realise that these changes are a natural part of aging, which can lead to unnecessary suffering and confusion.
Health Risks Associated with Menopause
During and after menopause, women face an increased risk for several chronic health conditions, primarily due to the decline in oestrogen levels. Understanding these risks is vital for taking proactive steps toward health management during this phase of life. Some of the most significant risks include:
- Osteoporosis: Oestrogen plays a critical role in bone health, and as oestrogen levels decrease, women become more susceptible to bone thinning and osteoporosis. This condition leads to weakened bones, which increases the risk of fractures and breaks, particularly in postmenopausal women.
- Heart Disease: The drop in oestrogen during menopause is also linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Oestrogen helps maintain healthy blood vessels, and its decrease can contribute to the development of heart disease, including higher cholesterol levels and higher blood pressure.
- Type 2 Diabetes: Hormonal changes in menopause can lead to weight gain, especially around the abdominal area, which increases the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
- Cognitive Decline: Research has shown that women are at a higher risk of developing conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia post-menopause, potentially due to the loss of oestrogen’s neuroprotective effects.
- Breast Cancer: While the overall risk of breast cancer increases with age, some studies suggest that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may also play a role in increasing the risk of certain types of breast cancer, particularly with prolonged use. It’s crucial to discuss these risks with your healthcare provider before starting HRT.
How to Manage Menopause Symptoms and Risks
Managing menopause symptoms and reducing the associated health risks requires a multi-faceted approach. While each woman’s experience is unique, several treatment options and lifestyle changes can help manage the symptoms and mitigate long-term health risks.
1. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
HRT is one of the most effective treatments for managing menopause symptoms, particularly for hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness. It works by replacing the oestrogen the body is no longer producing. The type of HRT prescribed will depend on whether a woman has had a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) or still has her uterus.
Types of HRT include:
- Oestrogen-only therapy for women who have had a hysterectomy.
- Combined oestrogen and progesterone therapy for women with a uterus.
- Bioidentical HRT uses hormones that are chemically identical to the body’s natural hormones.
HRT can be highly effective for symptom relief, but it’s important to weigh the potential risks. Women with a history of certain cancers or blood clotting disorders should consult with their doctor about the suitability of HRT. For many women, however, HRT provides substantial benefits in terms of symptom relief and quality of life.
2. Non-Hormonal Treatments
For women who cannot take or prefer not to take HRT, there are several non-hormonal options available to manage menopause symptoms:
- Antidepressants (SSRIs/SNRIs): These can alleviate mood swings and hot flashes.
- Gabapentin: Originally used for nerve pain, this medication has shown to reduce hot flashes.
- Clonidine: A medication for high blood pressure that can also help alleviate hot flashes.
- Vaginal oestrogen creams: These are useful for addressing vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse.
3. Lifestyle Adjustments
In addition to medical treatments, adopting healthy lifestyle habits is critical for managing menopause and reducing the associated health risks.
- Diet: A nutrient-rich diet that includes foods high in calcium and vitamin D is essential for maintaining bone health. Phytoestrogens, found in foods like soy, flaxseeds, and sesame seeds, may provide mild oestrogenic effects that can help manage symptoms.
- Exercise: Regular weight-bearing exercise can help prevent osteoporosis, support heart health, and maintain overall well-being. It’s also a great way to manage weight and reduce the risk of diabetes.
- Stress Management: Practices like yoga, meditation, and deep-breathing exercises can significantly reduce the stress and anxiety that often accompany menopause.
The Importance of Preventative Health
Preventative health during menopause is more important than ever. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, staying active, and regularly consulting with a healthcare provider, women can better manage symptoms, reduce their risk of chronic diseases, and maintain overall well-being.
Incorporating early preventative measures, such as regular health screenings (for heart disease, osteoporosis, and breast cancer) and discussing treatment options like HRT or non-hormonal therapies, ensures that women are not only surviving menopause but thriving in this new phase of life.
Menopause is a natural part of life that every woman will experience, yet it is often surrounded by uncertainty. With the right knowledge, medical support, and lifestyle adjustments, women can effectively manage the transition and reduce their risk of long-term health issues. Open conversations, like the one in the podcast, help to break down the stigma surrounding menopause and empower women to take control of their health.
If you are nearing menopause or currently navigating through it, remember that you are not alone. Seek the guidance of your healthcare provider, explore your treatment options, and most importantly, take care of your health.
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Our platinum health assessment includes hormone blood tests and menopause staging for women.
If you have any questions contact our team to speak with our Head of Private Clients or check out our health assessment packages for more information on the assessments we can offer you!
Did you enjoy this blog? If so, we think you’d enjoy the Wealth of Health podcast. Find us on YouTube and Spotify
Menopause Resources
https://themenopausecharity.org/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/things-you-can-do/
https://shows.acast.com/themenopausesisters
