Let's Talk About Menopause

Dr Paris

18th of October 2020

The word menopause itself instills a thought of dread for most. It is something women all over the world go through yet something we do not actually talk about. This is beginning to change but there is so much room for improvement. Let us have the conversation and make it as open as possible so that women can feel confident sharing their experiences and helping one another through this transition.

Menopause itself is a diagnosis of the absence of periods for 12 months. However, most women find the time leading to this the most difficult. This is perimenopause and can last months to years.

On average most women find they become menopausal in their late 40s or early 50s. But for some, this can be much earlier or later.

Common symptoms include a change in the menstrual cycle, worsening PMS, irritability, anxiety, flushes, night swears, reduced sex drive, sleep changes, and overbearing fatigue. Some may also find abdominal weight gain, breast tenderness, vaginal dryness, dry skin, hair loss, and brain fog.

So how can I find out if I am menopausal? Symptoms give us a big clue but in addition, a hormonal profile will help confirm the diagnosis.

Hormones are essential for all bodily functions and slight imbalances can wreak havoc on our wellbeing.

Oestrogen is responsible for ripening and releasing our eggs, nourishes tissues including skin keeping it supple and elastic, it works to regulate bone levels, controls cholesterol, keeps your heart, liver, and brain functioning well.

Progesterone is our pro-gestation hormone. It actively boosts feelings of calmness, helps us relax and sleep, improves mood, and is essential for pregnancy.

Testosterone is associated with men. However, it is an essential hormone for women, helping them feel energized, assertive, turns fat to muscle, and increases sex drive. During perimenopause, we may find low levels will lead to fatigue, low mood, reduced muscle, low sex drive, incontinence, and a lack of motivation.

Hormones need to be balanced for optimal wellbeing and there are many ways we can help ourselves do this.

For instance, small tweaks to diet, exercise both weight-bearing and meditative, reducing alcohol, stopping smoking, and reducing stress can all help. Phytoestrogens can be taken to reduce some symptoms including flushes alongside supplements like vitamin D, omega 3, and magnesium.

Visit – www.bhrtclinic.com to learn more about BHRT and how Dr. Paris can help you to manage menopausal symptoms.