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Let's Talk About Menopause - The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King's Lynn NHS Foundation Trust
Understanding Menopause
Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman's menstrual cycles, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. It is diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. Menopause can cause various symptoms and significantly impact a woman's health and well-being. The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King's Lynn NHS Foundation Trust is dedicated to offering support and information to help women navigate this transition.Symptoms and Management
Common symptoms of menopause include hot flushes, night sweats, mood changes, and a decrease in bone density. The intensity of these symptoms varies from woman to woman. Lifestyle adjustments such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management can alleviate some symptoms. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is another option available through the NHS, which can help balance hormone levels and reduce symptom severity. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.Support and Resources
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King's Lynn NHS Foundation Trust offers various resources for women going through menopause. Specialized clinics provide comprehensive care including medical advice, psychological support, and nutritional guidance. Educational sessions and support groups are also available, providing a platform to share experiences and strategies for managing symptoms.Accessing Care at Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Women experiencing menopausal symptoms can access care through their GP or directly contact The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King's Lynn NHS Foundation Trust. The hospital provides a multidisciplinary approach, ensuring that patients receive holistic and tailored care. For more information, visit the hospital's official website or contact the patient services department directly.Conclusion
Menopause is a significant phase in a woman's life that can bring about diverse challenges. However, with the right information and support, it can be managed effectively. The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King's Lynn NHS Foundation Trust stands as a beacon of support for women, offering comprehensive care and resources to aid in this transition, ensuring the utmost health and well-being of its patients.Frequently Asked Questions
What is menopause?
Menopause is the time that marks the end of your menstrual cycles. It is diagnosed after you've gone 12 months without a menstrual period. Menopause can happen in your 40s or 50s, but the average age is 51 in the United Kingdom.
What are common symptoms of menopause?
Common symptoms of menopause include hot flushes, night sweats, mood changes, sleep problems, weight gain, and thinning hair.
How is menopause diagnosed?
Menopause is usually diagnosed based on your symptoms and menstrual history. Blood tests can measure hormone levels to support the diagnosis.
What treatments are available for menopause symptoms?
Treatments include hormone replacement therapy (HRT), lifestyle changes, and medications to manage specific symptoms such as antidepressants for mood changes or blood pressure medications for hot flushes.
What is hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?
HRT involves taking oestrogen to replace the decreasing levels of this hormone during menopause. It helps relieve common menopausal symptoms like hot flushes and night sweats.
Are there any risks associated with HRT?
HRT has potential risks, such as an increased risk of certain types of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and blood clots. It is important to discuss these risks with your healthcare provider.
Can lifestyle changes help manage menopause symptoms?
Yes, lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol intake can help manage symptoms and improve overall health.
Is weight gain common during menopause?
Yes, weight gain is common during menopause due to changes in hormone levels, a decrease in muscle mass, and a slower metabolism.
How can I manage mood changes during menopause?
Managing mood changes can include regular physical activity, relaxation techniques, adequate sleep, support from friends and family, and possibly counselling or medication if needed.
What are hot flushes and how can they be managed?
Hot flushes are sudden feelings of heat, typically most intense over the face, neck, and chest, which can cause sweating and discomfort. They can be managed with HRT, lifestyle changes, and non-hormonal medications.
Can menopause affect bone health?
Yes, menopause can lead to a decrease in bone density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, regular weight-bearing exercise, and medications can help preserve bone health.
How does menopause affect cardiovascular health?
The decline in oestrogen levels during menopause can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial to protect heart health during this time.
Is it possible to get pregnant during menopause?
While fertility decreases during perimenopause, it is still possible to get pregnant until menopause is complete, which is confirmed after 12 months without a period.
What is premature menopause?
Premature menopause occurs when menopause happens before the age of 40. It can be caused by genetics, autoimmune disorders, or medical treatments such as chemotherapy.
Where can I find support and information about menopause?
You can find support and information from healthcare providers, support groups, reputable health websites such as the NHS, and organisations dedicated to women's health.
Useful Links
Useful links from: Living with the menopause
- NHS - Menopause Comprehensive guide to menopause, including symptoms, treatments, and coping strategies.
- Women's Health Concern - Menopause Detailed information and advice on the menopause from a UK-based women's health charity.
- Menopause Matters A website providing up-to-date, accurate information about the menopause, created by a UK doctor.
- The Menopause Charity Charity focused on providing education, empowering women, and improving healthcare related to the menopause.
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.
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