Menopause

What is menopause?

Menopause, otherwise known as ‘the change of life’ marks the end of a woman’s reproductive life.  At menopause, eggs are no longer produced by the ovary and production of oestrogen and progesterone ceases.  The word “menopause” refers to the last menstrual period a woman experiences. 

When a woman has had no periods for 12 consecutive months she is considered to be “postmenopausal”.  The average age for menopause to arise is 51 years.

 What are the common symptoms of menopause?

  • Hot flushes and night sweats

  • Vaginal dryness

  • Mood swings and fatigue

  • Difficulty sleeping

  • Changes in libido

  • Memory loss

More information about Menopause

How common are are hot flushes?

75% of women experience hot flushes during peri-menopause and menopause. 

The symptoms can last for up to 10 years. 

1/3 of women suffer severe symptoms.

What are the treatment options for menopause?

Menopausal symptoms can be managed through a variety of approaches, depending on the specific symptoms and their severity.  Some common options include:

  1. Hormone therapy:  hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help alleviate symptoms like hot flushes and vaginal dryness.  It involves taking oestrogen alone (if you no longer have a uterus) or a combination of oestrogen and progesterone. 

  2. Lifestyle changes:  regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress management and getting adequate sleep can help manage symptoms.

  3. Medications:  certain medications such as selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors or serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) can help manage mood swings and hot flushes.

  4. Vaginal lubricants and/or vaginal oestrogen for vaginal dryness and bladder symptoms.

  5. Cognitive behavioural therapy can help in managing mood swings and help improving overall mental well-being.

  6. Testosterone therapy can be useful for women who are post-menopausal and have a reduced libido.

For more information regarding menopause, see below pamphlet from Ranzcog: