Find A Supplier
More Videos On This Subjectdiagnosis
Living with the Menopause
Understanding Menopause
Menopause is a natural part of ageing for women, usually occurring between 45 and 55 years of age. In the United Kingdom, the average age for menopause is 51. Menopause marks the end of menstrual cycles and fertility, characterized by a significant decrease in estrogen and progesterone production by the ovaries. Symptoms can vary but commonly include hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and sleep disturbances.Managing Symptoms
Managing menopause symptoms can be challenging but there are several strategies that can help. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is commonly prescribed to alleviate severe symptoms by balancing hormone levels. For those seeking alternatives, lifestyle changes like regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management techniques such as yoga and mindfulness can be beneficial. Over-the-counter treatments, including herbal supplements like black cohosh and soy isoflavones, can also offer relief.Health Considerations
During menopause, women often face increased health risks, including osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. It is crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle and have regular check-ups with a GP. Calcium and vitamin D supplements, along with weight-bearing exercises, can strengthen bones. Monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and maintaining a healthy weight are essential for heart health.Emotional Well-being
Emotional and psychological well-being is equally important during menopause. Mood swings, anxiety, and depression can be common. Engaging in open conversations with family, friends, or joining support groups can provide emotional support. Professional counseling or therapy might be beneficial for those struggling with mental health issues. Practicing self-care by engaging in hobbies, meditation, or simply setting aside time for oneself can improve overall quality of life.Accessing Support in the UK
In the UK, a variety of resources are available for women going through menopause. The NHS provides information and support, including access to HRT and specialist referrals. Charities like Menopause Matters, The British Menopause Society, and various online forums serve as valuable sources of support and information. It’s crucial to utilize these resources to navigate this life stage with confidence and resilience.Understanding, managing, and seeking support for menopause can make this transition smoother and enhance overall well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the menopause?
The menopause is a natural part of aging for women, typically occurring between 45 and 55 years of age. It is marked by the end of menstrual periods and signifies the end of a woman's reproductive years.
What are the common symptoms of menopause?
Common symptoms include hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and disrupted sleep. Symptoms can vary in severity and duration for different women.
At what age do most women in the UK enter menopause?
Most women in the UK enter menopause between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average age being around 51.
How long do menopause symptoms last?
Menopause symptoms can last for several years. For some women, symptoms last around 4 years, while others may experience symptoms for over a decade.
What is perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the transition period leading up to menopause when a woman's hormone levels start to change. Symptoms can begin several years before menopause and continue until the ovaries stop releasing eggs.
Can menopause be treated?
While menopause is a natural process that doesn't require treatment, its symptoms can be managed through lifestyle changes, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and other medications. Consult your GP for advice on managing menopause symptoms.
What is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?
HRT is a treatment used to relieve menopausal symptoms by replacing hormones that are at a lower level during menopause. It can come in the form of tablets, skin patches, gels, and implants.
Are there any risks associated with HRT?
HRT can have some risks, including a slight increase in the risk of breast cancer and blood clots. However, these risks are small and should be weighed against the benefits. Consult your GP to discuss your individual risks and benefits.
What lifestyle changes can help manage menopause symptoms?
Lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, regular physical exercise, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol intake can help improve menopausal symptoms. Stress management techniques like yoga and mindfulness can also be beneficial.
Is it normal to experience mood swings during menopause?
Yes, mood swings are common during menopause due to hormonal changes. If mood swings are severe, it is advisable to speak with a healthcare provider for support and potential treatments.
Can menopause affect sexual health?
Menopause can affect sexual health, including reduced libido and vaginal dryness, which can cause discomfort during sex. Lubricants and moisturizers, as well as HRT, can help alleviate these symptoms.
What role does diet play in managing menopause symptoms?
A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help manage menopause symptoms. Foods high in calcium and vitamin D are particularly important for bone health during menopause.
Can exercise help with menopause symptoms?
Regular exercise can help alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, mood swings, and sleep problems. It also promotes overall health, aiding in the prevention of weight gain and osteoporosis.
What are natural or alternative treatments for menopause symptoms?
Some women find relief from menopause symptoms through alternative treatments such as herbal supplements (e.g., black cohosh, evening primrose oil), acupuncture, and mindfulness. It's important to discuss these with a healthcare provider to ensure they're safe and effective.
When should I see a doctor about menopause symptoms?
You should consult a doctor if you're experiencing severe symptoms that affect your quality of life, if you have menopausal symptoms before the age of 45, or if symptoms continue well beyond the average menopausal age. A healthcare provider can offer guidance and treatment options.
Useful Links
Useful links from: Men Don't Need to Know about Menopause | NHS 24
- NHS - Menopause Overview Comprehensive guide from the NHS covering what menopause is, symptoms, treatments, and advice on managing this stage of life.
- NHS 24 - Menopause Information from NHS 24 about menopause, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and support options available in Scotland.
- Menopause Matters A resource supported by healthcare professionals providing information, advice, and support on all aspects of the menopause.
- British Menopause Society The British Menopause Society provides education, information and guidance to healthcare professionals and women on the menopause.
Useful links from: Talking menopause with your GP
- NHS - Menopause Comprehensive information on menopause, including symptoms, treatments, and advice on talking to your GP about your experience.
- NHS - Menopause: Talking to Your Doctor Guidance on how to discuss menopause symptoms with your GP, including what to expect and questions to ask.
- The Menopause Charity Offers support and resources including advice on how to have conversations about menopause with your healthcare provider.
- Women's Health Concern Fact sheets and guidance on menopause, with tips on preparing for a GP appointment and managing symptoms.
Useful links from: Menopause Myths
- NHS - Menopause NHS page on menopause providing reliable information on symptoms, treatments, and common myths.
- Women's Health Concern - Menopause Myths Women's Health Concern provides a factsheet dispelling common myths about menopause.
- Menopause Matters - Myths Menopause Matters is a UK charity offering detailed information and debunking myths related to menopause.
- The Daisy Network - Menopause Myths The Daisy Network is a UK charity that supports women with POI and provides resources on menopause myths.
Useful links from: Does Menopause Only Happen in Your 50's? | NHS 24
- NHS - Menopause NHS guidance on menopause, including symptoms, treatments, and advice on managing menopause. Comprehensive resource for women going through menopause, commonly in their 40s or 50s.
- NHS Inform - Menopause Information from NHS Scotland on menopause, detailing what to expect and how to manage symptoms. Provides context on the typical age range for menopause and potential early onset.
- Women's Health Concern UK charity Women's Health Concern offers advice and support on menopause, including factsheets with detailed information on symptoms, treatment options, and lifestyle tips.
- Menopause Matters A leading menopause website in the UK providing an array of information regarding menopause, early menopause, and associated conditions. Offers resources for both women and healthcare professionals.
Useful links from: Let's Talk About Menopause - The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King's Lynn NHS Foundation Trust
- NHS - Menopause Comprehensive information on menopause, including symptoms, treatments, and advice on managing the transition.
- Menopause Matters A leading UK charity providing up-to-date information about the menopause, menopausal symptoms, and treatment options.
- Women's Health Concern The patient arm of the British Menopause Society, offering detailed factsheets and advice on various aspects of the menopause.
- The Daisy Network A support group for women who have been diagnosed with premature menopause, providing resources and a community for those affected.
Have you found an error, or do you have a link or some information you would like to share? Please let us know using the form below.
- Ergsy carfully checks the information in the videos we provide here.
- Videos shown by Youtube after a video has completed, have NOT been reviewed by ERGSY.
- To view, click the arrow in centre of video.
- Most of the videos you find here will have subtitles and/or closed captions available.
- You may need to turn these on, and choose your preferred language.
- Go to the video you'd like to watch.
- If closed captions (CC) are available, settings will be visible on the bottom right of the video player.
- To turn on Captions, click settings .
- To turn off Captions, click settings again.