October is Menopause Awareness Month, so it’s a great time to talk about the transition that every woman born with ovaries will experience; The Menopause. It’s a subject that is still sometimes a little tabooed, met with silence, or makes people uncomfortable. But whether you’re just beginning to notice changes or you’re well into the menopause, knowing what is happening to your body is the first step towards feeling more like yourself again.
What is Menopause?
It’s officially defined as the point at which a woman has not had a period for twelve consecutive months, signalling the end of natural fertility. For most women, this happens between the ages of 45 and 55, although it can occur earlier.
The years leading up to menopause (known as perimenopause) can often be where the real challenges begin. During this time, oestrogen and testosterone levels start to fluctuate and decline as ovulation becomes less regular. This shift in hormones can affect more than your menstrual cycle though, with the brain, skin, bones, bladder, and more all taking the brunt.
Recognising the Symptoms
Very few women are prepared for just how unpredictable and wide-ranging the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause can be. Some women get through these stages with no problems whatsoever, whilst others find it to be disruptive to their daily lives, relationships, and mental health. Most fall somewhere in the middle.
What Are the Common Symptoms to Look Out For?
Many of these symptoms are linked to stress, ageing, or other unrelated health issues, which is why menopause can be tricky to identify and manage. Keeping a simple diary of your symptoms can be useful in spotting patterns and giving your healthcare provider a clearer picture about what’s going on.
Why Do Symptoms Happen, and Why Do They Vary?
The symptoms of menopause (both physical and emotional) come from declining oestrogen levels, but the experience of menopause is unique to each person. Genetics, lifestyle, overall health, and even the age when perimenopause begins all play a role in how symptoms present and how severe they may become. One size does not fit all when it comes to managing menopause.
If hormonal changes are ignored during this time, they won’t just cause short term discomfort; they can have longer term implications for bone density, cardiovascular health, and muscle mass. Seeking proper support will help rather than just ‘pushing through’.
What Support Might Look Like
The good news is that menopause management has come a long way, and there are lots of options available. Depending on symptoms, medical history, and personal preference, support might include
Lifestyle adjustments – a change in diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management can ease certain symptoms.
Non-hormonal treatments – for women who prefer not to use hormone therapy, there are alternative options for managing specific symptoms.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) – for many people, HRT is the best way to relieve symptoms and reduce certain long-term health risks associated with low oestrogen. As with any treatment, it should be clearly discussed with your healthcare provider to assess the benefits and risks.
A proper assessment will start with your medical history and symptoms, along with checks like blood pressure and BMI. From there, other investigations such as hormone profile blood tests or an ultrasound scan may be recommended to build a fuller picture before any treatments are suggested.
To help with this, Surrey Park Women’s Clinic offers two Menopause WellWoman Packages. The WellWoman assessment is ideal if you’re earlier on in your menopause journey, as it can help determine whether your symptoms are in fact a result of menopause or whether something else is causing them. The WellWoman Plus assessment is designed for those who are currently on HRT and may need further adjustments.
Don’t Suffer in Silence
Perhaps one of the most important messages this Menopause Awareness Month is simple: struggling through menopause in silence isn’t something you have to do. Symptoms that leave you feeling overwhelmed, confused, or out of sorts are valid reasons to look for support, and there are effective treatments that will help you.
If you’re noticing changes, subtle or significant, and you’re not sure what they mean, speaking with a healthcare professional who specialises in menopause and hormone health can help bring some much needed clarity. At Surrey Park Women’s Clinic, our menopause specialist, Dr Alex Standring, takes a personalised approach, reviewing your individual history and symptoms to talk through the options that make sense for you.
Menopause is a natural transition, and not something that should be endured. With the right information and support, it’s possible to go through this stage feeling empowered. Information and support are key, and perhaps most importantly, you’ll start to feel like yourself again.
If you’re experiencing any of the menopausal symptoms mentioned, and would like advice, you can book a FREE 15 minute Discovery Call or a consultation to discuss your symptoms and the options available.