Menopause

In the months or years leading up to your menopause, you may experience a handful of symptoms that are pre-warning what's to come. This process is known as peri-menopause, and the symptoms affect up to 75% of peri-menopausal women.

What are the Symptoms of Menopause?

Menopause is a natural process, but the symptoms may affect your emotional health. In the months or years that lead up to menopause (perimenopause), you may experience:

Menopause is often referred to as a natural part of older life. Yet sometimes the transition into menopause can be far from natural. The average age of menopause in UK women is 51-52 years, but women who undergo certain surgical procedures can induce a premature menopause.

How Can Surgery Cause Menopause?

The transition into menopause usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. Yet, in some cases, menopause can occur before the age of 40, and this is known as premature menopause. There are a variety of reasons that can cause your body to enter an early menopause, read on to learn about these.

What Causes Premature Menopause?

• Ovarian failure - If a woman's ovaries stop producing normal levels of certain hormones, particularly oestrogen, then early menopause can naturally occur. This condition is also referred to as primary ovarian insufficiency, and its cause is often unknown. However for some women, it can be caused by; chromosome abnormalities; autoimmune disease; or infections such as malaria and mumps. The condition can also run in families.
• Cancer treatment - Radiotherapy or chemotherapy can cause temporary or permanent premature ovarian failure.
• Surgery - The removal...

The decline in oestrogen combined with natural ageing can cause pelvic floor disorders in postmenopausal women. These dysfunctions include incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and sexual problems.

What is the Treatment for Menopause?

The main treatment for women during menopause is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). A woman can begin to take HRT to control menopausal symptoms. After a hysterectomy, a woman may only need oestrogen, with progestogen occasionally being added. This can be taken in a number of ways including tablets, patches and skin gels.

How Long Do You Take Hormone Replacement Therapy For?

For each woman, the length of time varies. It is recommended that women who suffer from unpleasant menopause symptoms should take HRT to improve their quality of life. HRT is recommended for young women until the average age of menopause...