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Health and wellbeing / The Menopause
The Menopause
The menopause, often known as the change of life is when a woman’s periods stop. This can happen anytime between the ages of 47 and 53.
In the years leading up to this the levels of oestrogen in your body will start to fall. It involves the end of ovulation by the ovaries but menstrual cycles can still occur without you actually ovulating. Your periods won’t stop suddenly but rather become less frequent, the odd period is missed and then they will stop altogether.
Symptoms:
The most common symptom is hot flushes and night sweats.
Tiredness
Mood swings
Lack of sexual interest
Sleep disturbance
Drier skin and hair
Increased body and facial hair
Aches and pains in your joints
Headaches
Palpitations
Itching
Health Risks:
Loss of bone density: Recent research has shown an increase in osteoporosis in menopausal women.
Heart disease. Fats may be deposited in the blood vessels, which increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Weight gain can increase the likelihood of this.
Increased Blood Pressure
Increased cholesterol
Pelvic floor weakness, the pelvic muscles and joints become weaker which can lead to urination leakage when you cough or laugh or a prolapse of the womb.
Treatment:
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is used to reduce the symptoms of hot flushes, vaginal dryness, depression, mood swings and night sweats.
There has been concern about the side effects of HRT. A recent American study showed a small increase in the risk of breast cancer and heart disease in-patients taking a certain type of HRT. The advice from the Department of Health states that for women taking HRT in the short term the advantages outweigh any risks. Speak to your GP if you have any concerns about the length you have been on HRT.
HRT may have side effects such as breast tenderness, heavier periods, enlarged fibroids, weight gain and water retention and depression. Changing your dosage or medication can help so speak to your doctor if you have any of these.
You may prefer to take a more herbally based product. See here for more details
Diet : It’s important to get 1500mg of calcium per day to protect your bones. Get this from dairy products such as milk and yoghurt. Canned fish such as sardines and leafy green vegetables.
Vitamin D is important in helping to prevent osteoporosis. This is found in oily fish such as salmon.
Avoid saturated fat.
Try to eat as much fruit and vegetables as you can and foods high in fibre such as lentils and beans.
Foods that are high in oestrogen like chemicals called phyto-oestrogens such as soya products, beetroot, parsley and root fennel can also benefit some women,
Exercise: Walking and other aerobic exercise can help keep bones strong and is good for cardiovascular health.