Revolutionary Advancements in Menopause Treatment Unveiled – Discover the Most Effective Solutions
Menopause is a period in a woman’s life that carries with it both challenges and new experiences. As you begin this journey, it’s critical to understand the early symptoms, how menopause might affect the different aspects of your life, and how effective treatments can help you maintain your personal wellbeing. Here, we provide you with recommendations to manage menopause with confidence.
How menopause can affect life
Women usually reach menopause around age 51, but can experience symptoms of perimenopause much earlier than this. Most women begin perimenopause around age 45, but some women can reach it much sooner. Both perimenopause and menopause bring with them symptoms that can impact many facets of life. Let’s explore this further.
Daily life: Menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, nocturnal sweats, and exhaustion can interfere with daily routines and quality of life. Minor adjustments to routine activities, sleep habits, and personal care may be required to manage these symptoms effectively.
Relationships: Hormonal changes can influence mood and emotional wellbeing, putting a strain on relationships with loved ones. During this period, effective communication and understanding within your support system are critical.
Work: Menopause can have an impact on productivity and job satisfaction in the workplace. Dealing with symptoms such as brain fog and mood swings may require you to employ new techniques to help cope with work stress and maintain focus. Conversations regarding accommodations with your workplace colleagues may also be beneficial.
This may sound like a lot (and it is!), but there is a silver lining. Menopause also brings with it numerous benefits, which can often be overlooked, such as:
- No more menstruation
- Freedom from birth control medications
- No risk of getting pregnant
- Uterine fibroids can shrink as a result or hormonal changes
- Increased confidence
Doesn’t sound as bad now, does it?
How to recognise menopause: Early symptoms
Menopause usually begins with a series of early symptoms which indicate the impending changes. These symptoms differ from woman to woman (and in severity), however they frequently include:
- Irregular periods: Irregular menstrual cycles are one of the first indicators of menopause. Your menstrual cycle may become shorter or longer, lighter or heavier, and less consistent.
- Hot flashes: Early menopause can often be identified by hot flushes during the day and night sweats (waking up in the night too hot and drenched in sweat). These are usually accompanied by a high pulse.
- Mood swings: Hormonal changes can cause mood swings, impatience, and irritability. In fact, during this period, some women who have never suffered from anxiety experience it for the first time, according to research.
- Sleep disruptions: Menopause can affect your sleep patterns, resulting in insomnia. Establishing a good wind-down routine before bed can be really helpful for managing this.
- Vaginal changes: Vaginal dryness and changes to the elasticity of the skin inside the vagina happen during menopause as a result of low oestrogen levels. This may cause discomfort or pain during intercourse.
How to manage symptoms with menopause treatments
Making lifestyle modifications can improve your menopausal experience. Regular exercise, walking, and strength training can all help to prevent bone density loss. Additionally, a healthy diet high in calcium and vitamin D will promote bone health. Take care to avoid caffeine and alcohol to help with hot flashes and sleep. It is important to include stress management approaches such as yoga or mindfulness that can help with mood swings, joint pains, keeping a healthy weight and other menopause symptoms.
Hormone replacement theory (HRT) is a medical treatment for menopausal symptoms that involves replacing a woman’s depleting hormone levels, mainly oestrogen and progesterone. HRT can be utilised with a range of different types of hormones depending on your preference. These include synthetic hormones, body identical hormones, and bioidentical hormones. Synthetic hormones are man-made substances that imitate the actions of natural hormones but tend to have high instances of side effects. Body identical hormones have the same chemical structure as our natural hormones, making them a more natural alternative, but they are only available in set doses and hormones. Bioidentical hormones are made specifically for an individual’s hormonal requirements. This means that there is a much wider choice of hormones, applications, and doses as they are made in compounding pharmacies and tailored to your own needs. Please note that the decision about which hormones you would prefer should be made only after your own research and consultations with a medical professional who takes into account your personal health and medical records.
Non-hormonal treatments can also be an effective tool for managing menopausal symptoms. Herbal medicines like black cohosh and supplements like soy isoflavones and omega-3 fatty acids are thought to aid with hot flashes and mood swings. CBT can aid with anxiety and depression, while prescription drugs such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) or gabapentin may help with hot flashes and sleep difficulties. Non-hormonal therapies provide alternatives for women who do not want to or cannot take HRT due to health issues.
It is highly recommended to consult your GP before undergoing any treatment as they can provide you with the right guidance based on your individual history.
Menopause and beyond
Menopause brings with it a host of challenges and benefits, but with the right guidance from experts, and support from your family and friends, you can make your journey through menopause easier.