Get Help With Your Health

Posted on: 19 October 2021

All women enter what is known as menopause as they age. It occurs due to a drop in the production of certain hormones, tends to begin in your mid-40s to mid-50s and can last for several years. A woman is considered to be in menopause when she has not had a period for twelve consecutive months. Some women find they have mild menopausal symptoms and don't feel the need for treatment, while others have very disruptive and troubling symptoms that can greatly impact their quality of life. Being aware of the symptoms of menopause and the treatments options that are available can help you feel more in control when you find yourself at the beginning of this season of your life.

Symptoms Of Menopause

Symptoms of menopause can appear months before you are considered to be in menopause. In the lead-up to menopause and during menopause you may experience hot flushes, problems sleeping, night sweats and vaginal dryness. Your sex drive may decrease and your breasts may become less firm. Changing hormone levels can also cause dry skin and thinning of your hair. Your metabolism can slow, and this can lead to weight gain. Some women also experience mood changes, which can develop into depression.

Treatment Options For Menopause

If your symptoms are having a negative effect on your quality of life, there are treatments available that aim to provide some relief. Low-dose antidepressants can be prescribed to treat low mood and reduce hot flushes. Acupuncture has also been used to treat hot flushes and promote sleep in menopausal women. Vaginal lubricants can allow you to continue enjoying sex if vaginal dryness is troublesome.

A very common treatment approach for menopausal women is hormone therapy. The use of synthetic oestrogen, either on its own or combined with progestin, can even out your hormone levels and reduce all of the symptoms associated with menopause. Hormone therapy can be given orally, vaginally or intramuscularly. It can take a little time to establish the dose that is right for you, and your doctor may take blood samples to check your hormone levels while you are on this type of treatment.

Some women use hormone therapy for the duration of menopause, while others may use it as a temporary measure while they make other adjustments to their life that may help with their symptoms, such as stopping smoking, establishing an exercise routine or cutting out caffeine, all of which are reported to have the potential to have an impact on the severity of your symptoms.

If you believe you have started menopause and would like some support to deal with your symptoms, consider scheduling an appointment with a menopause treatment clinic like Oxford Hormone Clinic.