Menopause occurs when a woman stops menstruating and is unable to conceive naturally.
Periods usually begin to decrease in a few months or years before they close completely. Sometimes they can stop suddenly.
Menopause is a natural part of aging that usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, as a woman’s estrogen levels decrease. In the UK, the average age for a woman to reach puberty is 51 years.
But 1 in 100 women experience menopause before the age of 40. This is known as premature menopause or premature ejaculation.
Symptoms of menopause
Most women will experience the symptoms of menopause. Some of these can be quite intense and can have a significant impact on your daily activities.
Common symptoms include:
Hot wash
Sweating at night
Dryness and discomfort of the vagina during sexual intercourse
Difficulty sleeping
Low mood or anxiety
Decreased sexual desire (libido)
Problems with memory and concentration
Symptoms of menopause can begin months or years before your period stops and can last up to about 4 years after your last period, although some women experience it longer.
When to see a GP.
It is worth talking to a GP if you have menopausal symptoms that are bothering you or if you are experiencing menopausal symptoms before the age of 45.
They can usually confirm whether you have menopause based on your symptoms, but if you are under 45, blood tests can be done to measure your hormone levels. Is.
Treatment of menopausal symptoms
If you have severe menopausal symptoms that interfere with your daily life, your GP may offer treatment and suggest lifestyle changes.
These include:
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) – Pills, skin blemishes, gels and implants that replace estrogen and relieve menopausal symptoms.
Vaginal estrogen creams, lubricants or moisturizers for vaginal dryness
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) – A type of speech therapy that can help reduce mood and anxiety.
Eating a healthy, balanced diet and exercising regularly – Maintaining a healthy weight and staying fit and strong can improve some of the symptoms of menopause.
Your GP may refer you to a menopause specialist if your symptoms do not improve after treatment or if you are unable to take HRT.
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