Menopause

The average age of menopause in the UK is 51, however the perimenopause can start some years before this with a change in menstrual pattern and symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbance and many more.

Most commonly reported are the vasomotor symptoms, this being hot flushes and night sweats. However many women also experience sleep disturbance, brain fog, change in mood, body aches, fatigue, as well as genito-urinary symptoms such as frequent and/or uncomfortable urination, vaginal dryness, pain on intercourse and frequent urine infections.

Simple measures can be taken to help with hot flushes and night sweats, such as wearing breathable loose clothing (such as cotton), keeping a nearby window open, using a fan and avoiding spicy foods, excess alcohol and smoking.

In most women tests are not needed to make a diagnosis, the diagnosis is usually a clinical one (taking into account menstrual history and symptoms) however in some women where the case is less clear cut blood tests can help make the diagnosis.

Regular exercise, a healthy balanced diet and minimising alcohol can all help with weight gain, as well as menopausal symptoms.

Genetics, race and ethnicity can all play a role in not only when a woman goes through menopause, but also how it is experienced. Menopausal symptoms and their severity varies throughout the globe, with women in some countries reporting less problematic symptoms than others.

Menopausal symptoms last an average of about 7 years, however 20% of women may experience vasomotor symptoms for up to 15 years.

Menopausal symptoms can affect mood directly, as well as indirectly (for example by disturbing sleep). Mood may be improved by lifestyle measures such as regular exercise, medications such as HRT and also by psychological therapies, such as CBT