Menopause
Are you experiencing hot flashes and night sweats? Perhaps you’ve recently had mood changes or sleep disturbances. These are all signs that you may have menopause. Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. Dr Hammond understands the unique challenges and changes that women experience during menopause and he we prioritises women’s health and well-being.
Understanding Menopause
Menopause is a normal and natural phase in a woman’s life when her menstrual cycle ceases permanently. It typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, although the timing can vary for each individual. Menopause is confirmed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. However, the transition to menopause, known as perimenopause, can begin several years before the final menstrual period.
Menopause Signs
Diagnosing menopause involves assessing your medical history, discussing your symptoms, and performing a physical examination. While the absence of menstrual periods for 12 months is a significant indicator, Dr Hammond may also use blood tests to measure hormone levels, such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), to confirm the diagnosis.
During the perimenopausal and menopausal stages, you may experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including:
- Hot Flashes and Night Sweats: Sudden and intense feelings of warmth, often accompanied by sweating and flushing, can occur during menopause.
- Vaginal Dryness and Discomfort: Decreased estrogen levels can lead to vaginal dryness, itching, and discomfort during sexual intercourse.
- Mood Changes: Fluctuating hormone levels can cause mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or depression.
- Sleep Disturbances: Menopause can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to insomnia or restless nights.
- Changes in Sexual Function: Reduced estrogen levels can affect sexual desire, arousal, and satisfaction.
- Urinary Symptoms: Some women may experience urinary symptoms, such as increased frequency or urgency.
- Changes in Menstrual Cycle: Irregular periods, lighter or heavier bleeding, or longer or shorter cycles are common during perimenopause.
It’s important to note that while these symptoms are associated with menopause, they can also be indicative of other medical conditions. A consultation with Dr Hammond is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.
Menopause Causes and Risk Factors
Menopause occurs as a result of natural age-related changes in hormone production. The ovaries gradually produce less estrogen and progesterone, leading to the cessation of ovulation and menstruation. While menopause is a normal biological process, certain factors can influence its onset or experience, including:
- Genetics and family history
- Surgical removal of the ovaries
- Certain medical treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- Smoking
- Autoimmune disorders or certain medical conditions
Menopause Treatment
The management of menopause focuses on alleviating symptoms and promoting overall well-being. Treatment options may include:
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): HRT involves taking estrogen alone or in combination with progesterone to replace the hormones that the body no longer produces. HRT can effectively relieve many menopausal symptoms, but it’s important to weigh the benefits and risks with Dr Hammond.
- Non-Hormonal Medications: Certain medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), may be prescribed to manage mood swings, hot flashes and night sweats.
- Vaginal Estrogen Therapy: For women experiencing vaginal dryness and discomfort, vaginal estrogen therapy in the form of creams, rings, or tablets may be recommended. These localised treatments help restore moisture and elasticity to the vaginal tissues.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Adopting a healthy lifestyle can help manage menopausal symptoms. Regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and stress reduction techniques can contribute to overall well-being during this transitional period.
- Alternative Therapies: Some women find relief from menopausal symptoms through alternative therapies such as acupuncture, yoga, or herbal supplements. It’s important to consult with Dr Hammond before starting any alternative treatments to ensure their safety and efficacy.
- Bone Health Management: During and after menopause, women are at an increased risk of osteoporosis. Dr Hammond may recommend calcium and vitamin D supplements, regular weight-bearing exercises, and bone density screenings to monitor and manage bone health.
Compassionate Care and Support
Navigating menopause can be a transformative journey that requires understanding, compassion, and support. Dr Hammond specialises in women’s health and provides comprehensive care tailored to your specific needs. He understands the physical and emotional changes that occur during menopause and is here to address your concerns, provide accurate diagnoses, and develop personalised treatment plans.
We believe in empowering women with knowledge and resources to navigate menopause confidently. Our team will guide you through the available treatment options, discuss potential risks and benefits, and support you in making informed decisions about your health.
Regular check-ups and follow-up visits allow us to monitor your progress, adjust treatment plans if necessary, and address any new or on-going symptoms. Our goal is to optimise your well-being, alleviate menopausal symptoms, and enhance your quality of life during and after this transformative phase.
If you suspect you may be experiencing menopause or have already been diagnosed, our experienced team is here to address your concerns, provide accurate diagnoses, and develop individualised treatment plans to alleviate symptoms and enhance your overall well-being. Contact our clinic today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward embracing this new chapter of your life with confidence and vitality.
Feel free to call us on 033 492 0254 or drop us an email. We are located at Suite 7, Hilton Health, 3 Monzali Drive, Hilton, 3245. Your health matters to us.
FAQ
Menopause is the stage in a woman’s life when the ovaries cease hormone production and menstrual periods end. Typically occurring around age 50, a woman is considered to be in menopause when she has not experienced a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months.
During menopause, a woman’s ovaries cease egg release, and the production of female hormones oestrogen and progesterone decreases. The reduced levels of these hormones lead to menopause symptoms. Menstrual periods become less frequent and eventually cease altogether.
Signs of menopause in a woman can include increased anxiety, mood changes such as irritability or low mood, and alterations in skin condition, such as dryness or adult acne. Difficulty sleeping may lead to daytime fatigue and irritability, while some women may experience discomfort during sex and feelings of loss of self.
Menopause and perimenopause can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, mood swings, cognitive difficulties, hot flashes, and irregular periods. These symptoms may begin years before menstruation ceases and can continue afterward. The impact of menopause and perimenopause can significantly affect various aspects of life, including personal relationships and work.
Most women undergo menopause between the ages of 45 and 55 as a normal aspect of biological aging. It results from the decline in ovarian follicular function and reduced levels of circulating oestrogen. The transition into menopause is often gradual, typically starting with alterations in the menstrual cycle.
Hot flashes are the most prevalent symptom of menopause, affecting approximately 75% of women. These sudden, brief episodes of increased body temperature typically begin before a woman’s final period. For about 80% of women, hot flashes last for two years or less.
Menopause is diagnosed by a healthcare provider when you have not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. Unlike other stages, menopause marks a specific point in time, rather than a prolonged phase. Following menopause, you enter the postmenopausal stage, which continues for the remainder of your life.
You can generally become pregnant until you have gone a full year without a menstrual period. Although fertility decreases during menopause, it is still important to use contraception if you wish to avoid pregnancy.
During the menopausal transition, some women may experience symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, discomfort during sex, mood swings, irritability, and depression. Those affected may choose to consult their doctor about lifestyle adjustments or medications to manage these symptoms.
Menopause can lead to joint pain in areas such as the knees, shoulders, neck, elbows, or hands. Existing joint injuries may also start to cause discomfort. Over time, you might experience increased aches and pains in these regions, as oestrogen, which helps reduce inflammation, declines during menopause.
Pharmacies offer over-the-counter test kits designed to measure hormones in urine and suggest whether a woman may be experiencing menopause. However, these at-home tests cannot provide a definitive diagnosis. Menopause cannot be confirmed solely through blood or urine tests.
Menopause symptoms are generally consistent whether menopause occurs naturally or is induced by medical treatments, such as those for cancer. Typically, these symptoms are most severe during the first 12 months following the last menstrual period.
In the initial phases of menopause, hot flashes and night sweats typically start a few days before menstruation and continue until it concludes. These episodes are characterised by a sudden, intense heat that seems to radiate from within, leading to flushing and profuse sweating throughout the body.
As your menstrual period nears its end, you should observe a reduction in the volume of menstrual blood until it ceases completely. Additionally, you may notice a change in colour, with the appearance of brown blood towards the conclusion of your cycle.
Avoid consuming alcohol, spicy foods, and caffeine, as these can exacerbate menopausal symptoms. If you smoke, consider quitting to alleviate hot flashes and improve overall health. Additionally, strive to maintain a healthy weight.