Managing menopause

menopause managing

Menopause refers to the final menstrual period that a woman experiences, it is sometimes called “the change of life” meaning the end to a woman’s reproductive capacity. Menopause occurs naturally when a woman’s ovaries run out of functioning eggs.

At what age do women go through menopause?

Most women become menopausal naturally between the ages of 45 and 55 years, with an average age of onset at around 50 years.

Premature menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency may occur before the age of 40 due to natural ovarian function ceasing either due to surgical intervention as a result of cancer treatment eg. chemotherapy or radiotherapy or by spontaneous premature ovarian insufficiency which at times is unexplained. Other factors may be associated with smoking, not having children, hysterectomy, HIV infection, low body weight or a family history of early menopause. Menopausal transitioning is often referred to as peri-menopause. This is the time leading up to menopause when a woman may begin to experience changes to her menstrual cycle eg. irregular periods or change in flow, shorter or longer cycles. Some women can experience menopausal symptoms for 5-10 years until they experience their final menstrual period. Every woman is different and there is no way to predict when he symptoms will start and how long they will last.

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What are the physical symptoms?

How to manage the symptoms

> eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D > achieve and maintain a healthy weight > eat lots of fruit and vegetables > exercise regularly > drink plenty of water > avoid caffeine, alcohol and foods that are sugary or spicy that trigger hot flushes Menopause hormone therapy has been shown to help significantly to reduce menopausal symptoms for those experiencing extreme symptomatic menopausal symptoms. It replaces hormones that are at a lower level as you approach the menopause.

When to see a GP

It’s worth talking to a GP if you have menopausal symptoms that are troubling you or if you’re experiencing symptoms of menopause before 45 years of age.

CLICK HERE to download menopause symptoms and how to manage it.

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kids health

common health conditions in kids while they are back at school and kinder

Getting back to school and kinder can often expose children to a variety of health realted matters. Below we listed some of the most common illnesses and infections, symptoms and treatment options.

Hand foot and mouth disease

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is common in infants and children younger than 5 years old. Most children have mild symptoms for 7 to 10 days.

Symptoms

> sores and skin rash on hands, mouth and/or feet > fever > loss of appetite

How to prevent

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and toys, encourage your child to wash their hands with warm water and soap as often as possible. Avoid close contact with someone who has hand foot and mouth disease.

Treatment

There is no specific medical treatment for hand, foot, and mouth disease. Drink enough liquids. Mouth sores can make it painful to swallow, so your child may not want to drink much. Make sure they drink enough to stay hydrated.

Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis happens when germs (viruses, bacteria, or parasites) infect the stomach or intestines, causing inflammation. Many of the germs that cause gastroenteritis spread easily. So someone can get sick if they touch something contaminated or live with someone who is sick.

Symptoms

> diarrhea > vomiting and nausea > stomach pain and cramps > fever

Treatment

Most cases of gastro in children aren’t serious and can last up to 1-3 days. Make sure that your child gets enough fluid. Give your child small amounts to drink often – for example, a few mouthfuls every 15 minutes. This will help to prevent dehydration. Take your child to the GP if your child has a lot of diarrhea, is vomiting often, has blood in their poo or is under 6 months.

Conjunctivitis

Pink eye is highly contagious and common eye infection.

Symptoms

> redness or swelling of the white part of your eye > itching, burning, or irritation > increased tear production > crusting of your eyelashes or eyelids

How to prevent

The best way to prevent your child from developing it is to encourage them to wash their hands with warm water and soap as often as possible. Your child also should avoid rubbing or touching their eyes.

Treatment

Cool compresses can provide relief from symptoms. To avoid spreading conjunctivitis to other members of the household, avoid sharing clothing, blankets, and pillowcases, and wash those items frequently.