GOOD PRACTICE clinic did a few interactive presentations about menopause. We held events at the British School Jakarta, JIS, and New Zealand School Jakarta.
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. 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 for menopause and perimenopause
The main medicine treatment for menopause and perimenopause symptoms is hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which replaces the hormones that are at low levels. HRT is a safe and effective treatment for most women going through menopause and perimenopause. If you 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. HRT relieves most of your menopause symptoms.
Your GP will discuss any risks with you. The risks of using HRT are usually small, but they should be discussed with your GP. There are other treatments if you cannot, or choose not to, have HRT.
Oestrogen for vaginal dryness
Oestrogen treatments can also prevent vaginal dryness and improve urinary symptoms.
If you cannot take HRT:
Medicines like Clonidine and Gabapentin might help. Your mood might benefit from antidepressants as well.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
CBT can help with low mood and anxiety. Some physical symptoms like hot flushes and joint pain might also benefit from CBT. Talk to your GP to find out what is best for you.
If you would like to learn more about managing menopause or need personalized advice, Good Practice Clinic is here to help