What is menopause?
Menopause is a normal change in a woman’s life when her menstruation cycle stops, and her natural hormones decline. That’s why some people call menopause “the change of life” or “the change.” This decline in hormones affects not only oestrogen but also progesterone, which is important to maintain hormonal balance.
The menopause often happens between ages 45 and 55. A woman has reached menopause when she has not menstruated for 12 months. The years leading up to menopause are called the pre-menopause or climacteric. During this time, women may experience huge hormonal fluctuations and support with Bioidentical Hormone Therapy (BHRT) can be very helpful
What are the symptoms of menopause?
Every woman is different, and symptoms of the menopause can vary from person to person, but one symptom that all women will experience is that menstruation will cease. Some women may not have any other symptoms at all. However, as you near menopause, you may have:
- Changes in menstruation — your flow may differ and the time between periods may change and become erratic.
- Hot flushes — you may get unexpectedly warm in the face, neck and chest. It is often described as an inner heat and may or may not incur sweating.
- Night sweats — you may become very cold or very hot at night and suffer from night sweats. This may give you sleep problems, resulting in feeling tired, stressed or tense.
- Vaginal changes — the vagina may become dry, and the skin may get thinner, This can sometimes make sexual intercourse more painful.
- Poor bone density — your bones may become thinner, which may lead to loss of height and bone breaks (osteoporosis).
There is growing evidence worldwide to suggest supporting your body through the use of bio-identical hormones, vitamin supplements and stress management can positively improve health and wellbeing. BHRT is available in the form of creams, lozenges or micronized capsules.
Our aim at the clinic is to offer a holistic and interactive service to our patients, with a focus on the effect of thyroid imbalance as well as the importance of female hormones, including management of low testosterone, melatonin and cortisol.
We will also test for the main vitamins and minerals to offer advice on the best evidence-based way to correct and manage any deficiencies.
If you would like to find out more about BHRT please see our Bioidentical Hormone Therapy page. Or for further advice and to arrange an appointment, please call us on 01243 778888
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