Menopause is a natural phase of a woman’s life which generally occurs in your early 50’s, officially defined as 12 months after the time of your very last menstrual period. Some women enter into menopause at a younger age, which may be prompted by ‘surgical menopause’ (after removal of the ovaries) or early menopause as a side effect of cancer therapies (pelvic radiation or chemotherapy).

Some women have a genetic tendency to an early menopause, which can run in families. At menopause, your ovaries stop producing the hormone oestrogen and symptoms begin to occur as your body learns to adapt to having low oestrogen levels. All women are affected by menopause symptoms and physical changes, which typically resolve 5 to 10 years after your last period.

Around menopause, your periods become irregular and can also become heavy. Hot flushes, sore joints, insomnia, clouded thought processes, vaginal dryness and bladder symptoms are common. You may also experience a reduced libido and mood changes, which can become a source of tension in relationships.

Falling oestrogen is associated with bone density loss, and changes in your body’s natural fat distribution (for example, your figure becomes less pear-shaped and more apple-shaped as a result). Blood cholesterol levels can rise and so does your overall risk of heart disease and stroke. Some of these symptoms may spontaneously resolve with time, but there is treatment available to manage them.

Menopause symptoms often start before periods stop all together, which is known as peri-menopause. Periods may reduce in frequency at the same time that hot flushes start occurring. Some women have really troublesome period symptoms around their menopause, such as prolonged bleeding and flooding. These symptoms can have the flow on effect of causing anaemia, iron deficiency and fatigue, but there are many courses of treatment to manage dysfunctional menstrual bleeding.

Around menopause, low oestrogen levels cause a decrease in moisture produced by the lining of the vagina. This can cause bladder urgency and sexual discomfort.

To ease sexual discomfort and enhance pleasure lubricant is a necessity. We developed Lovers with your needs in mind.

Hot flushes can range from mild to severe. Some women have predictable triggers like caffeine or alcohol, while others may encounter psychological triggers such as public speaking. Some women may find that they sweat profusely, which can feel embarrassing when it involves soaking through clothes in public. In some cases, women experience night sweats so profound that they need to change pyjamas or even their bedding, which can disturb your partner’s sleep too. Treatment for even severe hot flushes can be extremely effective, using hormonal or non-hormonal approaches. You may also find that weight reduction and lifestyle changes can help to address these symptoms too.

Aside from hot flushes, many women in menopause find it hard to sleep, or to fall back asleep after waking. This in itself is a symptom of menopause and one that makes all other symptoms that much more difficult to cope with.

This symptom can be really stressful, but a combination of topical vaginal oestrogen treatments, physiotherapy and smooth muscle relaxant medications can make a big difference.

The hormonal changes of menopause lead some women to notice general muscular aches and pains, as well as pain and stiffness in their joints.

It’s normal for everyone to sometimes be in a bad mood, or to feel a little bit anxious on occasion. However, feelings like this can occur more often or be more intense during menopause. You might feel sad, upset or emotional in situations that you previously would have easily coped with.

Treatment options

• Lifestyle changes

• Menopausal Hormone Therapy

• Non-hormonal treatments

• Complementary therapies such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutritional supplements and diet modification can be very effective options to help manage symptoms

At WHM our Doctors and Integrative Health Practitioners work together as a team to support you.

Before considering which treatment option is right for you, we must consider the following basic checks and risk factor assessments:

• Have I had a screening mammogram?

• What’s my baseline bone health profile?

• Am I at a higher than average risk of having a heart attack or stroke? (Risk factors include smoking, obesity, high cholesterol, previous incidents, diabetes and family history)

• Have I had breast cancer, or am I at increased risk because of my family history?

• How do my symptoms of menopause impact my health and quality of life?

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