Menopause

THE CHANGE

We go through many changes in life, both Still with us? Great! good and bad. The menopause, often So as we get older, our ovaries gradually referred to as ‘The Change’, has mixed stop producing as much oestrogen, and this reviews (if we’re being honest). But the change in the balance of the body’s hormone best way to face any change is with a bit of levels is what causes the menopause. Once preparation. So here’s some information to you’ve experienced the menopause, you’ll help you prepare for whatever kind stop having periods and of change the menopause is your ovaries won’t planning on throwing at you! release an egg each

To understand the month, so you won’t menopause, it helps to know about the internal reproductive organs of women, girls and people who were assigned female “Every person’s experience of the menopause be able to get pregnant naturally. So when can you expect these changes to happen to you? Well, most people usually at birth. If you’re not sure what we’re talking is unique.” start going through the menopause between about, have a look at the the ages of 45 and 55 diagram back on page 44. years old, and the average

Now you know what age in the UK is 51 years old. these organs are, and where they However, around 1 in every 100 are in the body, let’s have a closer look at women experience the menopause before what they do! they reach 40 years old, and this is called

The ovaries produce the hormone premature menopause or premature ovarian oestrogen. This is important, as oestrogen insufficiency. Premature menopause can be controls the regular monthly cycle of changes caused by surgery, cancer treatments, or an within the reproductive organs, as they underlying heath condition, but for some prepare for a possible pregnancy, and if that people the cause is unknown. doesn’t happen, then experience a period. Most people will know when they’re

CHANGE

going through the menopause because they’ll experience menopausal symptoms. These symptoms usually begin months or even years before your periods actually stop, and this period is called the ‘perimenopause’. On average, most symptoms last for around 4 years after your last period, but some people can experience them for much longer than this.

The main thing we want you to know is that every person’s experience of the menopause is unique. For some people, menopausal symptoms can last for many years and be severe enough to impact on their everyday lives, whilst for others, they may not experience many menopausal symptoms at all.

Here are some examples of the most common menopausal symptoms: l Changes to your mood or mental health (including depression and/or anxiety) l Problems with memory and concentration l Headaches l Difficulty sleeping and/or fatigue l Hot flushes (short, sudden feelings of heat, usually in the face, neck and chest, which can make your skin red and sweaty) l Night sweats (hot flushes that happen at night) l Racing heartbeat (palpitations) l The first sign of the menopause is usually a change in the normal pattern of your periods and eventually you’ll stop having periods altogether l Vaginal dryness and/or discomfort l Pain, itching, or discomfort during sex l Reduced sex drive (libido) l Problems controlling your bladder (incontinence) l Joint stiffness, aches and pains l Muscle stiffness and pain l Reduced muscle mass

So much change, we hear you cry! Well, have no fear because help and support is out there. If you suspect that you might be experiencing menopausal symptoms, book an appointment with your GP or prison doctor. They’ll be able to confirm whether or not you’re going through the menopause, either just by talking to you about your symptoms, or by also doing »

a blood test to measure your hormone levels. They’ll also be able to offer you lifestyle advice and potential treatments for any troubling menopausal symptoms or complications you might be experiencing. The doctor can also refer you to a menopause specialist if your menopausal symptoms aren’t improving after treatment, or if you’re unable to take certain treatments.

The main treatment for menopausal symptoms is Hormone Replacement Therapy (but you probably know it better as HRT). HRT involves taking oestrogen to replace the decline in your body’s own levels of this hormone. It’s available in tablets, skin patches, a gel to rub on the skin, or implants. HRT can be very helpful for lots of people, but there are some potential side effects and risks that come with it. If you’re thinking of taking HRT, make sure its the right choice for you by going through all the “Whatever pros and cons with your doctor first. changes the And don’t forget that there’s also lots menopause may you can do to help yourself through bring, you are the menopause too! Lifestyle choices that can still you.” really benefit your health and wellbeing at any point in your life, but especially during menopause, include; keeping active with regular exercise, getting plenty of sleep, eating a healthy and well-balanced diet, quitting smoking and cutting down on alcohol. But to be honest, the most effective thing that you can do during this time is

to simply be kind and patient with yourself, in fact, why not make a point of being your own best friend! Any change in life can be challenging, and throughout the menopause you may experience a range of strong, changing and even confusing emotions. It’s important to remember that whatever changes the menopause may bring, you are still you, and that is pretty amazing, don’t you think?

SARAH’S* TOP TIPS FOR HANDLING A HOT FLUSH!

1. Sit down somewhere quiet and comfortable. 2. Take some deep breaths in and out. 3. Count to 10. 4. Have a refreshing and cool drink. *Not her real name. Sarah is an older woman who previously accessed support from the Women in Prison Healthy Foundations team.