Menopause
The average age of menopause in Australia is 52. Perimenopause is that time leading into menopause and we refer to the time after menopause as post menopause.
Menopause is the moment in time when it has been one year since a person has had a menstrual period because the ovaries have retired. Perimenopause is that time leading into menopause and we refer to the time after menopause as post menopause. The average age of menopause in Australia is 52.
Perimenopause is often the time when women begin to experience the symptoms of menopause, such as period irregularity, hot flushes, vaginal changes and mood swings. Once menses end and menopause begins, the symptoms experienced in perimenopause can continue.
MHT is an effective treatment for vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause, and benefits outweigh risks if initiated before the age of 60 or within 10 years of menopause.
Understanding menopause is key to managing symptoms and improving overall health. The Bubble women’s health specialist GPs, well-versed in menopausal health, provide comprehensive assessments and investigations to uncover underlying issues.
Individualised care is paramount in managing menopausal symptoms. Depending on factors such as life stage, relationships, and health, options include healthy living practices, natural therapies, menopause hormone therapy (MHT, formerly known as hormone replacement therapy or HRT), and non-hormonal medications.
Hot flushes and
night sweats
75% of women will develop hot flushes and those flushes will range in severity. A third will have severe flushing. And a third will have mild flushing.
And one in eight women who get flushes will flush forever.
Did you know that hot flushes last on average for 7.4 years?
Vaginal dryness
Vaginal dryness is a common concern experienced by many women during menopause. Studies have found that 45-63% of post-menopausal women report vulvovaginal symptoms. Then for women aged 65 and over that number increases to 80% of women. Vaginal dryness occurs due to hormonal changes, primarily the decline in estrogen levels.
Mood Changes
Most of us feel anxious at times, but you might find that things that you can usually cope with make you feel overwhelmed with anxiety.
You might also feel upset, sad or angry in situations that would not have bothered you before.
These increases in anxiety and mood changes can be caused by hormonal changes.
Problems sleeping
Some women have problems sleeping even if they don’t have hot flushes and night sweats.
Changing hormone levels can affect your body clock or make it more difficult for you to fall asleep or stay asleep.
Poor sleep can have a severe impact on your mental health.
Low libido
Low libido is another common challenge that can accompany menopause. It can be influenced by hormonal changes, as well as psychological, emotional, and physical factors.
The decline in hormones can affect neurotransmitters involved in sexual desire and arousal.
Bladder changes
Women can also find they have bladder changes during menopause.
If you have this symptom, you might find you need to urinate more often, you can’t “hold on” or your bladder might feel full and uncomfortable.
Prolapse is another common symptom for women.
Understanding menopause and developing a strategy to manage your symptoms can improve your health and lifestyle considerably. Even if you are not wanting medical management, talking to a doctor about your symptoms and being educated on why this is happening, can make the process a little easier to understand. It is also important to ensure there are no other underlying problems that may be the cause of your symptoms. The doctors can usually figure this out through a comprehensive assessment and simple investigations.
Don't endure menopausal symptoms in silence. The Bubble doctors, with their expertise and genuine interest in menopause, are here to support you on this journey. Book a consultation today to gain insight into your symptoms, understand the process, and explore tailored solutions for a smoother transition. Your well-being matters, and we're here to help you thrive through menopause.
