Lifestyle
Breaking Taboos and Understanding Menopause
Did you Know?
Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. It marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years, defined as when she has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. Leading up to menopause is the perimenopausal phase, which can start several years before a woman’s last period. During this time, hormone levels fluctuate, and many women experience a range of symptoms that can significantly affect their quality of life.
Understanding menopause and perimenopause, the symptoms, and the treatments available can empower women to take control of their health during this transitional phase.
Globally, millions of women reach menopause each year. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), by 2030, 1.2 billion women worldwide will be menopausal, with an additional 47 million reaching this stage annually. As life expectancy increases, women now spend nearly one-third of their lives in the post-menopausal phase, making it more important than ever to manage the transition effectively.
Symptoms of Perimenopause and Menopause
Menopause is often accompanied by a variety of symptoms, which vary in severity and duration. These symptoms arise due to a decrease in oestrogen and progesterone levels. Some of the most common include:
Hot flashes: Sudden feelings of heat, often followed by sweating. Around 75% of women experience hot flashes.
Night sweats: Sweating that occurs during sleep, disrupting rest and causing fatigue.
Mood changes: Anxiety, depression, irritability, and mood swings are common due to hormonal fluctuations.
Sleep disturbances: Insomnia and frequent waking during the night, often related to night sweats.
Vaginal dryness: Reduced Oestrogen can cause thinning and drying of vaginal tissues, leading to discomfort during intercourse.
Cognitive changes: Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, and “brain fog” can affect daily functioning.
On average, these symptoms can last for about 4–5 years, but some women experience them for more than a decade. Hot flashes alone can persist for up to seven years or more for some women.
Physical and Emotional Impact
The effects of menopause are not just physical; they can significantly impact a woman’s emotional well-being. The hormonal changes often coincide with other life stressors, such as children leaving home, career shifts, and the care of ageing parents. Studies show that approximately 20% of women may experience clinical depression during menopause, while anxiety and mood swings affect around 50%.
Additionally, the physical changes can affect sexual health and self-esteem, further straining relationships and contributing to a sense of isolation. Women often feel misunderstood, as the symptoms are often dismissed as a “normal” part of ageing.
Treatments and Solutions
The treatment of menopause symptoms has changed significantly over the last few decades. In the past, women were often left to cope with symptoms on their own, as menopause was largely seen as a natural part of ageing that did not require medical intervention. In the 1960s and 1970s, HRT became widely available, but its usage plummeted in the early 2000s after studies revealed potential health risks. Today, HRT is still considered an effective treatment but is prescribed with a more individualised approach, taking into account a woman’s personal and family health history.
More recently, the focus has shifted to include non-hormonal and holistic options, recognising that menopause is a unique experience for every woman. With increased awareness, more women are now advocating for their health and seeking personalised treatment plans that address their physical, emotional, and sexual well-being.
Breaking the Stigma: Open Conversations
Menopause is often surrounded by stigma, with many women feeling reluctant to discuss their symptoms openly. However, this narrative is changing. Celebrities, healthcare professionals, and advocacy groups are speaking out about the challenges of menopause, raising awareness and encouraging open dialogue.
Support groups, online forums, and educational campaigns such as those listed below help women feel empowered and less isolated. As conversations about menopause become more commonplace, women are more likely to seek medical advice and take steps to manage their symptoms.
https://healthinmenopause.co.uk/
https://www.themenopausecharity.org/
https://menopausesupport.co.uk/
If you would like our free ‘Navigating Menopause Guide’ which will be available in late November please register below.
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