The Big Change

Don't panic, help is at hand, it is a frightening word, but that's all it is, a word.

The Stages of Menopause

Premature Menopause is a natural menopause before the age of 40. It is uncommon, but removal of the ovaries, certain cancer treatments, autoimmune disorders and smoking can be among the causes. One percent of the female population may experience this.

Perimenopause is the time before the menopause, generally two or three years prior and subsequent to the actual ending of menstruation. It is marked by the declining function of the ovaries, fluctuating hormone levels and menstrual cycle irregularity.

Menopause is where menstruation permanently finishes (hoorah!) and marks the end of the reproduction years. Menopause has occurred when there is absence of periods for 12 months in a woman over the age of 40, though it's more common in the late 40s to early 50s.

Postmenopause has occurred when a woman has been free of bleeding for 12 months, a stage that will last the rest of her life.

Menopause signals the end of the woman's reproductive years, when the menstrual cycle ceases and the quantities of the two female hormones, oestrogen and progesterone diminish. Some women enjoy symptom free menopause, where as others experience hot flushes, depression, dry skin, osteoporosis, heavy bleeding, insomnia or irritability. Not very nice, to say the least.

However, menopause is a natural event and should not be viewed as the end of one's young life or a prelude of bad things to come. It is a mark of a new beginning and represents an opportunity to reflect upon the past and the future and to move forward in a positive and healthy manner.

Treatments

HRT - Since the sixties women have been using hormone replacement therapy. HRT involves taking synthetic hormones to prevent symptoms. It now comes in many forms customised to suit the individual, such as tablets, skin patches, vaginal pessaries, topical creams and implants. However, some side effects have been reported and there may be a possible link between hormone treatment and cancer, although no solid evidence exists to support this claim. If you have severe menopausal symptoms, you may prefer to opt for natural remedies.

Alternatives

There is evidence to suggest that exercise may alleviate menopausal problems, as inactive women suffer from worse hot flushes than active women.

Herbs which may help include the Chinese extract Dong Quai, which is believed to have a balancing effect on female hormones. Black Cohosh has been clinically proved to have a positive effect on depression, hot flushes and vaginal atrophy and Sage has also been used to combat night sweats.

By taking care of what you eat you can also alleviate menopausal symptoms. Foods to avoid include sugar, caffeine and alcohol, along with spicy foods if you are prone to hot flushes. Eating fish 4 times a week (although I couldn't do it) is said to help as it contains phytoestrogens to help normalise hormone levels. Also you can try alfalfa, soya beans, chickpeas, green beans, barley, rye, wheat, celery and garlic. Vitamin supplements which may help are primrose oil, due to the essential fatty acids, vitamin E which can relieve hot flushes and vitamin C to support the adrenal glands.

Edith Maskell of Bromley Health Management adds, "Remember, the Menopause is not an illness or condition. It is another natural phase of a woman's life. If you're concerned, at Bromley Health Management we can advise you on alternatives to HRT and the symptoms of the Menopause. Hormone screening is always a good place to start".

Tuesday, 12 March 2002