Menopause
What is the menopause?
The menopause is the time of the last menstrual period and is sometimes called the 'change' of life'. It is an event that occurs in all women when their ovaries stop producing the female sex hormone oestrogen.
Oestrogen is involved in regulating the menstrual cycle, so after the menopause, a woman's periods stop and she stops producing an egg every month. This event signals the end of the child-bearing years.
When does the menopause occur?
In most women, the menopause occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 years. However, some women experience an early menopause before this age. This can occur of its own accord or because the ovaries have been removed in an operation (oophorectomy).
What investigations will I need?
As the menopause is a natural event, most women will not need to undergo any tests. However, if your periods stop early, you will need tests to see why this has happened. If you have had your womb removed (hysterectomy), but still have your ovaries, you may need a blood test to check your ovaries have stopped working.
Can the menopause be treated?
Mast women experience short-term symptoms of the menopause, caused by lack of the female sex hormone oestrogen. These symptoms can be relieved by taking oestrogen as hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
HRT consists of a daily dose of oestrogen and, if you have not had your womb removed, a daily dose of progestogen for 10-14 days of the month. The progestogen will cause the return of a monthly bleed or period'. These hormones differ from those in the oral contraceptive pill and are present in much smaller doses. HRT will not make you fertile again.
If you do not want to take H RT or your doctor recommends you should not, some symptoms of the menopause can be treated with other therapies. There are drugs to treat hot flushes, and oestrogen and non-hormonal lubricating creams to relieve vaginal dryness.
Possible symptoms of the menopause
Short-term problems
- Hot flushes.
- Night sweats.
- Insomnia (sleeplessness).
- Mood changes.
- Anxiety.
- Irritability.
- Tiredness.
- Depression.
- Forgetfulness.
- Difficulty in concentrating.
- Loss of confidence.
Intermediate problems
- Tiredness.
- Vaginal dryness.
- Painful sexual intercourse.
- Loss of interest in sex.
- Vaginal and urinary infections.
- Aching joints.
- Dry hair, skin and nails.
- Incontinence.
Long-term problems
- Osteoporosis (weakened bones prone to fracture).
- Increased risk of stroke and heart disease.
Take action now
- Live as normal a life as possible; you will be much more aware of your flushes than other people.
- If symptoms are troublesome, or you want to prevent Iong-term problems of the menopause such as osteoporosis, heart disease or stroke, ask your doctor about HRT.
- Eat plenty of calcium-rich foods and give up smoking to maintain healthy bones.
- Take regular exercise, for at least 30 minutes three times a week.
Further information
National Osteoporosis Society |
The Amarant Trust |
See also: HRT and Osteoporosis