Demystifying Menopause by Dr Donna Tanchev

Demystifying Menopause

By Dr Donna Tanchev, Her Medical THE TERM "MENOPAUSE" REFERS TO THE FINAL MENSTRUAL PERIOD. AT MENOPAUSE, OVULATION NO LONGER OCCURS AND PRODUCTION OF OESTROGEN AND PROGESTERONE CEASES. FLUCTUATING HORMONE LEVELS CAUSE A RANGE OF SYMPTOMS WHICH CAN VARY FROM MILD TO DEBILITATING. TYPICALLY SYMPTOMS LAST FOUR TO EIGHT YEARS AND ARE MOST INTENSE IN FIRST YEAR, THE AVERAGE AGE FOR MENOPAUSE IS 51.

Peri-menopause is the time leading up to menopause which is signalled by irregular periods and changes in the flow.

Common symptoms include hot flushes and night sweats, aches and pains, fatigue or irritability, vaginal dryness, loss of libido, urinary frequency, dry skin, weight gain and an overall loss of vitality. Anxiety, forgetfulness, brain fog and insomnia are also common. There is no way to predict how long these will last.

Women do not have to suffer through the symptoms of menopause. There is a variety of natural, non-hormonal and hormonal options to ease the symptoms of peri-menopause.

Dietary and lifestyle modifications including reduction of alcohol intake, sleeping with the fan on, maintaining a healthy BMI, dressing in light cotton layers as well as cognitive behaviour therapy can help to reduce the negative effects of hot flushes. Avoidance of spicy foods and not smoking may also help to keep hot flushes at bay.

There are herbal supplements available over the counter and online which in some women help to reduce the frequency of hot flushes and night sweats - talk to your doctor about which products are reputable and safe to try. Dietary supplements that can be found in health food stores and even supermarkets may also provide relief of symptoms.

Yoga, acupuncture and hypnosis have also been investigated in the management of menopausal flushes however the evidence is mixed. Similarly, regular exercise has not been found to reduce the frequency of hot flushes however it is beneficial for strengthening bones and maintaining heart health which is important at this stage.

Have a discussion with your doctor about what the options are and what is best suited to you.

DR DONNA TANCHEV

Principal General Practitioner Dr Donna is the principal GP and founder of Her Medical. Her Medical is a general practice dedicated to women’s health. The team consists of general practitioners and allied health who share a special interest in women’s health

Her Medical

30 Yacht Street, Southport Tel: (07) 5616 8070 reception@hermedical.com.au

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