Menopause is a natural progression in every woman’s reproductive life and signals the stage when your periods stop completely and you can no longer fall pregnant.
With this change comes an increased risk of developing certain health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and osteoporosis.
In this month’s blog, we take a closer look at menopause and its health impacts for women.
What is menopause?
Menopause occurs when you have your final menstrual period and no menstrual period for the 12 months following.
As noted by the World Health Organization, it is caused by the loss of ovarian follicular function and a decline in oestrogen levels. Menopause can occur naturally or as a result of certain medical or surgical procedures, such as a hysterectomy, chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
It generally occurs naturally between the ages of 45-55, with the average age being 51 years.
For women using the contraceptive pill, it can be difficult to know whether you have reached menopause or not, as it can mask and reduce symptoms and you may still continue to have a monthly bleed. It is best to speak with your GP about when and how to stop taking the pill as you reach the age range for menopause.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms can occur some 5-10 years before a woman reaches menopause and this is known as perimenopause.
During this phase, your monthly periods may change and become more or less frequent.
Some women may also experience forgetfulness and have more difficulty concentrating throughout menopause.
As outlined by the Australasian Menopause Society, some of the other common symptoms experienced during this phase include:
- Hot flushes and night sweats
- Trouble sleeping
- Joint pain
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Anxiety and mood changes
- Dry vagina, discomfort during sex and/or the need to urinate more frequently
Many of these symptoms are only temporary and can be managed without treatment; however, around 20% of women will have severe symptoms that significantly impact on their daily lives.
For those who do have symptoms, Jean Hailes for Women’s Health has put together this useful checklist to help you track your symptoms, so that you can discuss them with your doctor at your next appointment>>
What are some of the health impacts?
The decline in oestrogen can put women at a greater risk of developing a number of health issues, including heart disease, stroke and osteoporosis.
Oestrogen is known to help maintain blood flow and a healthy balance of cholesterol.
Lower levels of oestrogen can lead to an increase in cholesterol build up on the arteries leading to the heart and brain, subsequently increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Lower oestrogen levels can also contribute to osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis occurs when bones lose minerals more quickly than the body can replace them. This leads to a loss of bone thickness (or density) and can make your bones more likely to break from minor injuries or falls.
What treatment is available?
For those suffering severe menopausal symptoms, there are a number of therapies and medicines available to help reduce symptoms, including:
- Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) – one of the most effective treatments, used to replace hormones and relieve symptoms. This treatment is not suitable for everyone though, particularly those with a history of certain cancers including breast and uterine.
- Medicines – such as antidepressants, which can help to reduce hot flushes.
- Natural Therapies – including herbal remedies, hypnotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness, and acupuncture.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is also important in managing symptoms and your overall health and wellbeing.
This includes:
- eating a healthy diet
- drinking lots of water
- maintaining a healthy weight
- regularly exercising
- getting a good night’s sleep
- reducing and/or limiting your alcohol intake
- giving up smoking, if you’re a smoker
- staying connected to friends, family and your community
It’s also important to stay up-to-date with your vaccinations, regular health checks and recommended screenings, particularly your heart health check, cervical screening, breast check, skin checks and bone density checks.
For a comprehensive list of recommended health checks for women, visit Better Health Channel.
If you believe you may be experiencing menopause and have concerns about any related symptoms or your overall health and wellbeing, contact us on (08) 9208 6400 or book online.
Where can I find out more information?
For more information on this topic, visit:
- Australian Menopause Society – https://www.menopause.org.au
- Better Health Channel, Victoria – https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/menopause
- Health Direct – https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/menopause
- Jean Hailes for Women’s Health – https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause
- John Hopkins Medicine – https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/introduction-to-menopause
- OAHS, Office on Women’s Health, USA – https://www.womenshealth.gov/menopause/menopause-and-your-health#:~:text=Changes%20in%20your%20body%20in,disease%2C%20stroke%2C%20and%20osteoporosis.
- The Royal Women’s Hospital – https://www.thewomens.org.au/health-information/menopause-information/managing-menopause
- World Health Organization – https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/menopause