[New] Understanding the Menopause

By Sophia Howard

Menopause is a medical term to describe the 12 months without a menstrual period, after which you enter post-menopause. However many women will go months without menstruation, then have a period, at which point the 12 month count begins again. This unpredictable time before the Menopause is perimenopause and is the most troublesome phase for most women, sometimes lasting up to 10 years!

*90% of women experience menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, insomnia, mood changes, breast pain, anxiety, depression, weight gain and brain fog which occur as a result of fluctuating hormones.

The symptoms don’t just affect us physically, many of us are busy looking after children, working and in relationships, menopause can have a dramatic impact on our ability to manage or cope with these responsibilities and relationships.

Divorce rates peak during peri-menopause (late 40’s early 50’s) as do suicide rates. It is important to have conversations with loved ones about how you are feeling or coping and what help and support may be needed.

*10% of women leave their jobs due to the menopause.

There is more advice available for employees regarding menopause and employers are being held more accountable, so it’s important to have that conversation.

Every woman’s experience of menopause is unique and will change during their phases of peri-menopuause and menopause, some symptoms may even continue into post-menopause.

It's never too early to educate yourself about menopause, prioritising your health and wellbeing. Lowering levels of oestrogen affects long term health, increasing your risks of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimers and Dementia. There are a number of ways we can reduce the risks and symptoms.

HRT is one way. There are much safer versions of HRT available now and a number of different ways to take it; gels, patches, tablets and pessaries. All HRT (except vaginal HRT) carries an increased risk of breast cancer, however it’s important to note this increase is very low. In fact a woman taking HRT has a lower increased risk of breast cancer than a woman who is overweight, obese or who drinks moderately. It is important to speak to your Doctor or Nurse Practitioner about your HRT options.

There are a number of other ways to reduce symptoms and improve your long term health.

• Weight training and weight bearing exercise can strengthen bones and the muscles that support our skeletal structure as well as boosting mood.

• Improving gut health can stabilise our hormone fluctuations and energy levels.

• Increasing good quality protein to strengthen muscles and regulate hormones.

• Increasing fibre to support digestion, which in turn supports the pelvic floor.