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Menopause is a natural biological process that occurs in women typically between the ages of 45 and 55. It is defined as the permanent cessation of menstrual periods, indicating the end of a woman’s reproductive years. During menopause, the ovaries gradually produce fewer hormones, particularly oestrogen and progesterone, leading to significant changes in the female body.
Menopause can bring about a range of physical and emotional symptoms, which vary from woman to woman. So, what are some of the signs and symptoms you should look out for?
🔥 Hot Flashes and Night Sweats: Sudden, intense feelings of heat followed by sweating, often during the night, leading to disrupted sleep patterns.
🩸 Irregular Periods: Menstrual cycles may become irregular, with periods becoming lighter, heavier, or more infrequent during perimenopause (the transitional phase before menopause).
🌵 Vaginal Dryness: Reduced vaginal lubrication, leading to discomfort during intercourse.
😊 Mood Changes: Fluctuations in hormone levels can cause mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or even feelings of sadness or depression.
💤 Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, often due to hot flashes or other menopausal symptoms.
😴 Fatigue: Increased feelings of tiredness and lack of energy.
🔥 Changes in Libido: Some women may experience a decrease in sexual desire.
🚽 Urinary Symptoms: Increased frequency of urination or urinary incontinence may occur.
So what are your options for symptoms support during this roller-coaster of a journey?
🌟 Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): HRT involves taking oestrogen and sometimes progesterone to alleviate hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and other menopausal symptoms. It should be discussed with a healthcare provider, as it may carry certain risks and is not suitable for everyone.
🥗 Lifestyle Modifications: Adopting a healthy lifestyle can make a significant difference. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, avoiding triggers like caffeine and spicy foods, and maintaining a healthy weight can help manage symptoms.
💧 Vaginal Moisturisers and Lubricants: Over-the-counter vaginal moisturisers and lubricants can provide relief from vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse.
💊 Medications: Certain prescription medications, such as low-dose antidepressants or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can be used to manage hot flashes and mood symptoms.
🧘♀️Alternative Therapies: Some women find relief through complementary approaches like acupuncture, pilates, yoga or mindfulness meditation. While not replacements for medical treatments, they can complement symptom management.
🏥 Regular Health Check-ups: Menopausal women should maintain regular visits with their healthcare provider to address any health concerns and monitor overall well-being.
It’s important for women experiencing menopausal symptoms to seek guidance from their healthcare professionals to determine the most suitable treatment plan based on their individual needs and health history. With the right approach, menopause symptoms can be effectively managed, making this new life phase feel less overwhelming.
If you’d like to book an appointment today, to discuss all things menopause with Nicole our Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, click the link HERE.
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