What are the Symptoms of Menopause?

The menopause is a natural transition that every woman goes through. In this video, Consultant Gynaecologist, Dr Vivek Nama, discusses the symptoms of menopause and how to alleviate them.

Links:

For more information on menopause symptoms - Menopause symptoms
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Chapters:
00:00 - 00:47 - Introduction
00:47 - 01:17 - What is the menopause?
01:17- 01:40 - What are the stages of menopause?
01:40 - 02:11 - Peri-menopause
02:11 - 02:29 - Menopause
02:29 - 03:15 - Post-menopause
03:15- 06:52 - What are the symptoms of menopause?
06:52- 07:12 - When should I see a doctor?
07:12- 07:52 - How are the symptoms of menopause treated?
07:52 - 08:34 - Outro

What is menopause?

Menopause is a natural stage in every woman's life that occurs when your hormone levels drop, your ovaries stop making eggs and your periods stop permanently.

The most common age for menopause in the UK is 51, and most women go through menopause between the ages of 45 and 55 although this can vary.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

Menopause symptoms vary widely, ranging from mild to significant impacting on life.
Some common symptoms of menopause include:

Changes to your periods are often one of the first signs of perimenopause. A decrease in the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone means your periods may become less regular, lighter, heavier, or your cycle may be longer or shorter than before.

Hot flushes cause sudden heat, redness, sweating, and sometimes dizziness.
Hot flushes normally last between two and five minutes and may be followed by a period of chills and shivering. Though unpleasant, hot flushes are not harmful and are thought to be due to a drop in oestrogen that affects the body's ability to regulate its own temperature.

Night sweats and sleep disturbances are common during menopause. You may also experience difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, and poor-quality sleep.

Menopause fatigue is a severe form of tiredness that can severely impact daily life and is linked to hormonal changes, stress, and sleep disturbances.

Mood changes are common and may be related to serotonin fluctuations, a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating our moods.

'Brain fog,' or difficulty focusing, and forgetfulness is common. It may be related to hormonal fluctuations as well as difficulty sleeping during this time. Brain fog is temporary and will usually resolve over time.

Lower levels of the female hormone oestrogen during the menopause can cause the vagina to become drier and less lubricated. It can also make the walls of the vagina thinner and less elastic. This can make sex painful and lead to tearing and infections.

Thinning hair and dry skin is also common during the menopause. Oestrogen helps keep the skin plump and hydrated by helping the skin retain water. It is also important for hair growth. When oestrogen levels fall during the menopause, you may find that your skin becomes drier and your hair thinner.

Reduced levels of oestrogen change the way your body stores fat, and you may gain weight, especially around your abdomen (tummy). Your metabolic rate also slows down during the menopause, meaning you may gain weight even if you eat the same amount as you did before the menopause.

When should I see a doctor?

Seek medical advice if your menopause symptoms are making it difficult to carry out normal activities, negatively impacting your relationships or affecting your quality of life.
How are the symptoms of menopause treated?

Menopause symptoms can be treated with lifestyle changes, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and non-hormonal medications.

Menopause is a natural part of life, but that doesn't mean you should put up with distressing symptoms. Talk to your GP or to one of our specialist consultants to ensure your transition through the menopause goes as smoothly as possible.

Consultant details:
Dr Vivek Nama is a Consultant Gynaecologist. He practices at Shirley Oaks Hospital in Croydon: Mr Vivek Nama - Consultant Gynaecologist in Surrey

Do you want to hear more about menopause symptoms and treatment? Leave a comment below and we will plan future videos on suggested topics.

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