GOOD PRACTICE clinic also provides a few interactive presentations about 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 seven to 10 years!
- Menopause is when your periods stop due to lower hormone levels.
- It can happen earlier naturally due to surgery to remove the ovaries or the uterus, cancer treatments like chemotherapy, or 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 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 would become irregular, and eventually, they would stop altogether. Meanwhile, the mental health-related symptoms can include mood changes and diminishing self-esteem. Menopause can also cause problems with memory or concentration.
Physical symptoms
The physical symptoms of menopause include hot flushes, sleeping difficulty, palpitations (faster-than-usual 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. Try to:
- Rest sufficiently. Consume calcium to keep your bones healthy.
- Exercise regularly and relax by doing meditation or yoga.
- Talk to others about your symptoms and talk to your GP (Good Practice). Refrain from smoking and reduce alcohol intake as well.
How to ease hot flushes
- Use lighter clothing;
- Make the temperature of your environment cooler.
- 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.
How to treat vaginal dryness
Vaginal moisturisers or lubricants can help. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), hormonal creams, or pessaries can also be helpful.
How to prevent weak bones
It helps to exercise regularly, eat healthier, and be exposed to sufficient vitamin D. Moreover, trying HRT can also reduce the risk of osteoporosis, particularly around the time of menopause.
How to treat menopause and perimenopause
HRT serves as the main treatment, which replaces the hormones that are at low levels. This form of therapy involves using oestrogen to replace your own levels. If you still have a womb (uterus), you also need to take progesterone to protect your womb lining from the effects of oestrogen. This is called combined HRT.
However, if you cannot, or choose not to, try HRT, there are also other alternative treatments to consider.
Other treatments besides HRT
Medicines like Clonidine and Gabapentin might help. Your mood might benefit from antidepressants as well.
More about hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
HRT is a safe and effective treatment for most women going through menopause and perimenopause. HRT can relieve most of your menopause symptoms. The risks of HRT are usually small, but should nevertheless be discussed with your GP.
Oestrogen for vaginal dryness
Oestrogen treatments can prevent dryness and improve urinary symptoms.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT can help with low moods and anxiety, as well as help relieve some physical symptoms, such as hot flushes and joint pain. 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.