GOOD PRACTICE clinic has provided a few interactive presentations about the menopause at schools.
Menopause is a natural part of a woman’s life. It usually occurs between 45 and 55 years of age. The average age of menopause is 51, and the symptoms can last up to 7-to-10 years!
- Menopause is when your periods stop due to lower hormone levels;
- It can happen earlier naturally, because of surgery to remove the ovaries or the uterus, because of cancer treatments like chemotherapy, or because of a genetic reason;
- Perimenopause is when you have symptoms before your periods have stopped. Menopause is when you have not had a period for 12 months;
- The symptoms could be anxiety, mood swings, brain fog, hot flushes, and irregular periods. Tiredness, poor concentration, and vaginal dryness are also very common. These symptoms can start before menopause and carry on afterwards;
- Menopause and perimenopause symptoms can have a big impact on your life, including on your relationships and work;
- There are ways to manage the symptoms. Medications that can replace the missing hormones are available to help relieve your symptoms.
Changes to menstrual periods
Menstrual periods may become irregular and, eventually, they stop altogether. The mental health symptoms due to menopause may include mood changes and low self-esteem. It can also cause problems with memory or concentration.
Physical symptoms
The physical symptoms may include hot flushes, difficulty in sleeping, palpitations (fast heartbeat), headaches, muscle aches, weight gain, dry and itchy skin, reduced libido, vaginal dryness, and recurrent urinary tract infections.
What can you do about it?
A healthy diet and looking after your mental health can help manage the symptoms. You can also try to:
- Rest sufficiently. Also, consume calcium to keep your bones healthy;
- Exercise regularly and relax with meditation or yoga;
- Talk to others about your symptoms and talk to Good Practice (GP). Refrain from smoking and reduce alcohol intake as well.
How to ease hot flushes
Using light clothing may help ease hot flushes. Also, make your environment cool. Have cool showers and cool drinks. Avoid spicy food, caffeine, hot drinks, smoking, and alcohol. Try to lose weight and exercise. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is also an option.
Vaginal dryness
Vaginal moisturisers or lubricants can help vaginal dryness. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or hormonal creams or pessaries can also be beneficial.
Preventing weak bones
Exercising regularly, eating healthy, and being exposed to sufficient vitamin D may help prevent weakening bones. Taking HRT can also reduce the risk of osteoporosis around the time of menopause.
Treatment
The main medical treatment is hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which involves using oestrogen to replace your own levels. If you still have a womb (uterus), you will also need to take progesterone to protect your womb lining from the effects of oestrogen.
Treatment for menopause and perimenopause
The main medical treatment for menopause and perimenopause symptoms is hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which replaces the hormones that are at low levels. There are other treatments, however, if you cannot—or choose not to—have HRT.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
HRT is a safe and effective treatment for most people going through menopause and perimenopause. Your GP will discuss any risks with you.
HRT involves using oestrogen to replace your body’s own levels around the time of the menopause. If you still have a womb (uterus), you will also need to take progesterone to protect your womb lining from the effects of oestrogen. This is called combined HRT. HRT relieves most of your menopause symptoms.
The risks of using HRT are usually small, but should be discussed with your GP.
If you cannot take HRT
Medicines like Clonidine and Gabapentin might help. Your mood might benefit from antidepressants as well.
Oestrogen for vaginal dryness
Oestrogen treatments can prevent dryness, and they can improve urinary symptoms as well.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT can help with low mood and anxiety. Some physical symptoms, such as hot flushes and joint pain, might also benefit from CBT. Talk to your GP to find out what is best for you personally.
Discuss your concerns with a medical doctor, preferably at GOOD PRACTICE. Did you know that our Dr Shendy is considered one of the trusted Menopause resources in Indonesia?
Dr Steven Graaff, MD, MRCGP, the founder of the GOOD PRACTICE Clinic, is a graduate of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Before completing his formal training in General Practice in the UK, he worked in several hospitals, as well as in occupational health and general practice in the Netherlands and the UK. As a medical professional with international experience, Steven decided to start his own clinic, GOOD PRACTICE, in Jakarta.