Menopause is a natural process that usually plays out over a number of years. It marks the time in a woman’s life where the ovaries start producing less estrogen and progesterone (the hormones that regulate menstruation). As this happens, fertility begins to decline. Periods become more erratic and ultimately stop. By the age of fifty-one (on average) the ovaries eventually stop releasing eggs and periods stop all together.
Every woman will have her own unique experience of menopause. While it might be a relatively stress-free experience for some, it can be a painful and unsettling experience for others.
Symptoms of menopause
In the months leading up to menopause women may notice some of the following symptoms
- Hot flashes
- Trouble sleeping
- Irritability and/or mood changes
- Pain during sex (vaginal dryness)
- Depression
- Weight gain and slowed metabolism
- Night sweats
Making an appointment to see your doctor
Menopause itself is not a medical condition that requires treatment. However, when the symptoms of menopause start to interfere with your day to day life then seeking treatment may be useful.
- Light or mild symptoms – For women with light or mild symptoms, it is important to know that the symptoms of menopause may disappear on their own.
- Moderate to severe symptoms – Those experiencing symptoms that begin to interfere with their quality of life or interrupt day-to-day activities should make an appointment to see their doctor.
Managing menopause
Your doctor may be able to prescribe specific treatments to help manage your symptoms. They can also provide additional guidance or counselling in other aspects of your health that may be affected by menopause.
Management options will always be tailored to your own specific needs and personal medical history. Doctors may prescribe one or more of the following:
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) – An effective treatment for relieving menopausal hot flashes. This can only be prescribed based on your personal medical history.
- Vaginal cream – for vaginal dryness.
- Low-dose antidepressants -certain antidepressants may decrease menopausal hot flashes.
- Diet and exercise changes.
- Natural supplements – there is limited evidence that some natural supplements such as Soy and Vitamin E may help with symptoms.
Always speak to your doctor first before starting any treatments or embarking on any new diets or supplements.
Staying healthy after menopause
Post-menopausal women are more vulnerable to certain medical conditions such as heart disease and osteoporosis. For this reason, it is recommended that all women (regardless of age) continue to follow the basic rules of good health such as:
- Healthy eating (ensure you’re getting enough calcium and vitamin D
- Start or continue exercising
- Quit smoking
- Reduce alcohol intake
