When women reach a certain age, they will begin to go through the menopause. This means that they will stop having periods and will no longer be able to become pregnant naturally. Periods often begin to become less frequent a few months or years before they stop altogether. The menopause is a natural part of life and usually happens between the ages of forty five and fifty five years of age. This is the usual time when a woman’s oestrogen levels begin to decline. In the UK, the average age for a woman to reach the menopause is 51.
There are various different kinds of menopause which affect different women in different ways. Not everyone will experience the same symptoms as someone else.
Premature Menopause
When women begin to experience menopausal symptoms, they often have hot flashes, mood swings and many other related symptoms. Many women who experience this kind of menopause, often have to deal with additional psychological and emotional concerns which can often add to the severity of the mood swings that they may suffer.
Surgical Menopause
Surgical menopause It’s menopause that develops suddenly after the ovaries — the main producers of the hormone oestrogen — are surgically removed.
To relieve many of the symptoms that they may experience, some women have to take Hormone Replacement Therapy which will hopefully ease their symptoms and make them feel better. Some choose not to take it, but there are also others who would like to take it but can’t, because of their medical or family history.
“Women have to weigh up the pros and cons of taking HRT in relation to their own circumstances,” says Norma Goldman, founder and director of The Menopause Exchange. “And they need to do this with the help of a qualified healthcare professional. It’s not always a clear-cut “yes” or “no” – they may be able to change the HRT dose or preparation or may have to wait until it’s more suitable for them.’
The Menopause Exchange, which was established in 1999, is completely independent and is not sponsored by any companies. It provides impartial, easily understood information to women, men and healthcare professionals. The Menopause Exchange quarterly newsletter contains articles written by top medical experts, such as gynaecologists, GPs, consultants, specialist menopause nurses, complementary practitioners, pharmacists, dietitians etc.
HRT may not be suitable for all women to take. For example, anyone with a family history of breast, ovarian or womb cancer can’t take it because oestrogen treatment may make cancer develop and spread more rapidly. Women with a history of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism) should also avoid HRT, as oestrogen makes the blood more likely to clot, therefore heightening the risk.
In women with high blood pressure, HRT can cause it to become even higher. However, this does not mean that HRT cannot be given to women with high blood pressure, but rather it is advised that blood pressure is controlled before starting HRT.
Lots of different webinars are also available to help women who may be experiencing symptoms of the menopause to help them manage their daily lives and cause as little disruption to other people’s lives. This will help society run smoother and will ensure the help is there for those who may need it.
To attend a webinar, arrange one for a group of friends or find out more information, e-mail norma@menopause-exchange.co.uk or call 020 8420 7245.
The Menopause Exchange quarterly newsletter is available via email for free. Sign up on our website, www.menopause-exchange.co.uk. Find us on Facebook and Twitter (@MenopauseExch).
For more information, call 020 8420 7245, e-mail norma@menopause-exchange.co.uk or write to The Menopause Exchange at PO Box 205, Bushey, Herts WD23 1ZS.
