The menopause is when a woman stops having menstrual periods. For many women, their periods can become unpredictable over a few months or years before they stop altogether and may experience symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats and mood changes. Some women may notice vaginal dryness which can make sex uncomfortable.
The menopause can be a really tough time for some women when many changes are happening. It is OK to ask for help if you are struggling with menopausal symptoms. Talk to your GP first and, if required, they can refer you to our specialist menopause clinic. Our specialist service is tailored to each woman’s individual needs and our consultant works with you to provide you with the support you require going through this stage in your life. We are unable to accept self referrals at this time.
WHAT IS MENOPAUSE?
For the majority of women, the Menopause is a natural physiological process when their ovaries lose their reproductive function, don’t produce enough the essential hormone oestrogen and their periods stop. From the Greek word Menos (monthly) and pausos (ending). Medically, the diagnosis of menopause is made when periods have stopped naturally for 12 months. In the UK, the average age of the natural menopause is 51 years.
The majority of women start to experience symptoms due to the fluctuating and declining levels of hormones in the perimenopause from about the age of 45: it’s the time leading up to their natural menstrual periods completely stopping. 1 in 100 women will experience premature menopause (premature ovarian insufficiency) before the age of 40. Menopause may also be caused by surgical removal of ovaries (immediate menopause) and after some chemotherapy or pelvic radiotherapy. Some women will experience symptoms of the menopause whilst taking some medications including those used for breast cancer, severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and gender transition. Those who identify as non binary, if they have ovaries, can also experience menopause. Postmenopause refers to the time when an individual’s periods have naturally stopped for 12 consecutive months or when their ovaries have been removed surgically.
SYMPTOMS
Ovaries produce hormones such as oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone. We have oestrogen receptors in every part of our bodies, from our brain, heart, muscles, joints, vagina and bladder. We can experience symptoms when the amount of oestrogen in our bodies starts to decrease in the perimenopause, initially fluctuantly (up and down).
Majority of women will experience symptoms and 1 in 4 will report such significant symptoms which seriously affect their quality of life and their work life. These symptoms can last anything from 4 – 8 years and for some women, lasts well into their 60s. Some women will have no symptoms at all, their periods just stop.
Periods: Changes in the menstrual cycle is one of the earlier signs of perimenopause. Periods can become unpredictable: they can become heavier or lighter, they can last longer or become shorter, they can occur more frequently or miss some months. Periods can become more painful and some women can start experiencing symptoms of Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or worsening of their PMS.
Helpful Tip: the Mirena IUS is very effective in controlling heavy menstrual bleeding and period pain as well as providing contraception. It can also be used as the progestogenic part of HRT.