THE MENOPAUSE; EXPLAINED, SIMPLY

THE MENOPAUSE EXPLAINED

The menopause is when a woman is no longer able to conceive and her body has ceased menstruating.

The average menopausal age for women in the UK is 51 but most experience symptoms for many years leading up to this and after their periods have stopped.

The menopause has generally been viewed with negativity in western cultures and has, until recently, been a taboo subject which many women feel unable to speak about, whether this be due to lack of support, embarrassment or fear of not being taken seriously.

A recent study in the US showed that nearly 78% of women claimed menopausal symptoms had changed or affected their lives and 64% of them were totally unprepared for this phase.

When a woman hasn’t had a menstrual cycle and period for 12 months, they are menopausal, prior to this, they are peri menopausal

Menopause occurs when the ovaries stop producing as much of the hormone oestrogen and no longer releases an egg during menstruation. Menopause can also occur when a woman's ovaries are affected by a range of medical procedures, such as cancer treatments, or when the ovaries are surgically removed, such as a hysterectomy.

There are 3 phases to the menopause. Here they are, explained simply

PERIMENOPAUSE

Perimenopause means "around menopause" and refers to the time during which a woman's body makes the natural transition to menopause, marking the end of their reproductive years.

Perimenopause is also called the menopausal transition. Women start perimenopause at different ages, starting as early as their 30s and this phase can last from eight to 10 years.

Women typically experience many menopausal symptoms, but can still have regular periods and can still fall pregnant.

MENOPAUSE

Menopause is defined as when a woman has a 12 month period after her last period, and marks the end of menstrual cycles.

Menopause can happen in your 40s or 50s, the average age in the UK is 51

POST MENOPAUSE

Postmenopause will typically experience a decrease in some symptoms, such as hot flushes, but can also increase the risk of health conditions, such as osteoporosis and heart disease, due to the decreased production of oestrogen in the body.

Hormonal changes during the menopause causes a range of symptoms but it can also increase the risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, genito-urinary conditions and affect the eyes, skin, hair and cognitive and mental health.

There is an extensive range of symptoms, and here are some of the common, and the lesser known symptoms

Here goes!

Symptoms (including common and lesser known)

• Aches & pains

• Irregular and/or heavier periods

• Disturbed sleep, insomnia and strange dreams

• Cramps

• Head aches & migraines

• Extreme fatigue

• Low moods and depressions

• Hot flushes

• Loss of libido

• Bloating

• Increased body fat

• Stiff joints, reduced flexibility and tight muscles

• Vaginal dryness

• Frozen shoulder

• Intolerance to foods not prior affected by

• Brain fog, forgetfulness and problems concentrating

• Nausea and digestive problems

• Loss of confidence

• Imposter syndrome, anxiety and panic attacks

• Skin problems including acne, dry, itchy skin, changes to skin texture and appearance

• Sore/tender breasts

• Reduced bone density and higher risk of breaks

• Dizzy sleeps and vertigo

• Bladder weakness

• Thinning hair

• Increased UTI's

• Dry eyes & mouth

• Breathing difficulties, tight chest and heart palpitations

• Changes in smell and taste

• Decreasing fertility

• Brittle nalls & facial hair

• Body odour

Many menopausal symptoms can be reduced through positive changes in nutrition and lifestyle, but in many cases HRT is more beneficial.

Watch this space for more Menopause Awareness blogs!

For support and advice, join the PT Emz Watts FREE Facebook ladies only support group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/784260649240350/?ref=share_group_link

Check out The Menopause Mentor blog for more information and advice