Research from Kings College on the menopause
Researchers from King’s College London have, for the first time, shown that brief self-help therapy for women to manage menopausal symptoms had a significant positive impact on their working lives.
Find out more about self-help therapy and the menopause
NHS on the Benefits of HRT
The main treatment for menopausal symptoms is hormone replacement therapy (HRT), although other treatments are also available for some of the symptoms.
Find out more about HRT on the NHS website
Natural Remedies and the menopause
An article from Healthline discusses the natural remedies that can help with relief from the symptoms of menopause
Natural Remedies and the menopause
BBC Woman’s Hour on the menopause
Half the population are going to go through it, so why is menopause still such a mystery?
As part of a week-long series, we asked a host of menopause experts to share their top tips on how to cope with ‘the change’. The article also discusses the advantages of using a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy approach.
BBC Woman’s Hour and the menopause
Menopause Matters
Menopause Matters outlines the different symptoms and timeframe for menopause.
Visit the Menopause Matters website to read the article
The guardian – ‘How to cope with the menopause’
For some women, it’s a breeze – for others, a nightmare. From HRT to hot flushes,
Read the Guardian article on coping with the Menopause
So what is menopause exactly?
Menopause is when you stop ovulating due to a fall in the levels of oestrogen and progesterone in your body. It is a collection of symptoms and changes that a woman goes through just before or just after she stops menstruating for good.
It can be a tricky time to deal with emotionally – some people may be glad they don’t have to deal with periods anymore, while others might feel sad that they will no longer have their menstrual cycle. Menopause is normal.
What are the signs of menopause?
The first signs of menopause happen in the time known as ‘perimenopause’ when the body displays various symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, and erratic menstrual flow.
The first sign of menopause is usually a change in the pattern of your menstrual cycle, and you may experience irregular periods.
It can be disorientating when you first notice your body and cycle changing, but it’s not something to worry about, or that you can stop.
Think of it as beginning a new chapter in your life and talk to your friends and family about it. You might be surprised how much it helps to share your experience. Always remember that if you are struggling with the symptoms of perimenopause, it’s always worth checking in with your doctor for advice.
At what ages does menopause usually start?
Menopause is a gradual process that tends to happen in stages. The age you are at its onset is hereditary. It can begin as early as 40 or as late as 60, with the average age being 51. Menopause can happen at a range of ages, and can even be medically induced at any age as part of the treatment of certain diseases.
When do periods stop?
Perimenopause symptoms typically start a few months or even years before your periods stop and continue for around four years afterwards. It’s important to note that periods don’t just turn off one day – our bodies are not faucets, after all! The reality is more gradual.
You may experience substantial period bleeding, where your flow becomes uncharacteristically heavy. Or your periods may become much lighter and more intermittent. You may have a period every two or three weeks, or not have one for months at a time. Though this can be unnerving, especially if you’re used to your regular cycle, remember that all this is a natural process, and nothing to worry too much about.
What are the ongoing symptoms of menopause?
When you first notice changes that may be menopausal, it’s important to talk to your doctor, so you can have a blood test for confirmation and get advice so you feel prepared to cope with everything that menopause might throw at you. The most typical menopausal symptoms include hot flushes, night sweats, irritability, sleep disturbances and vaginal dryness. Some women experience light incontinence, meaning they might notice a few drops of pee from time to time. But there are lots of other signs, too, such as dizziness, bloating, weight gain, mood swings, headaches and loss of libido.
It can sound like a lot to deal with but know that you won’t have to deal with all the symptoms all at once. Going through the symptoms of menopause is completely normal as your body adjusts to the changing balance of hormones. If you’re navigating menopause symptoms, we encourage you to let your family and friends know – it can help to know you have people there to vent to, laugh with and ask for support from if you need it.
What treatment options are out there to help with menopause?
Menopause can be an emotionally trying time but it can also be a relief to no longer have to deal with the hassle of periods and PMS. Some people even find they feel more confident and at ease in their own skin when they are postmenopausal.
While some get no symptoms, most people experience at least one symptom or a combination of a few. If this is you, you don’t need to go through it all in silence, or without support. Many people find regular exercise to be beneficial in reducing symptoms, while acupuncture and hypnotherapy have both been found to be effective in tackling hot flushes and insomnia. In the past, HRT or hormone replacement therapy was the standard treatment, but recent research has linked this to breast cancer, blood clots and strokes, so it’s wise to talk things through with your doctor and ask what they recommend.
Post-menopausal life – what happens?
With menopause symptoms, it’s different for everybody. For some, they could last 4 years after your last period, but for others, it could be much longer. Everyone’s body adjusts in their own time, so it’s not something you can change or should worry about. Mentions of menopause don’t have to be overwhelming – get help accessing support through the British Menopause Society or find out more information on the NHS website.