What is the Menopause?
The menopause is a normal part of a woman’s life as her body and menstrual cycle change as she ages. It’s a natural transition as periods decrease and eventually stop and they are no longer able to conceive naturally. This is caused by the ovaries aging and the body reducing it’s production of reproductive hormones. Women who have had a hysterectomy will have an immediate menopause if they have had their ovaries removed no matter what age they are.
The average age of the menopause is 51, although it can occur anytime between the ages of 45 and 55. Some women can also have an early menopause which can occur before the age of 40. The perimenopause is classed as the start of your first symptoms and being postmenopausal as 12 months after your last period.
The menopause affects women in different ways and the symptoms can vary in their severity. If you look at your families history you can get an idea of what to expect. It can cause both physical changes and affect your emotional well-being and mental health. People often think of the menopause in a negative way as something ending rather than a new stage of their life beginning.
The menopause can also be experienced by non-binary people, intersex people, or those with variations in sex characteristics and some transgender men.
Physical Symptoms
· Hot flushes
· Night sweats
· Vaginal dryness or pain during sex
· Reduced libido
· Fatigue
· Heart palpitations
· Weight gain
· Urinary tract infections
· Migraine
· Sleep problems
· General aches and pains
Psychological Symptoms
· Anxiety
· Depression
· Loss of self-confidence
· Poor memory and being forgetful
· Confusion and feelings of brain fog
· Loss of self-worth
· Mood swings
Self-Help
It’s important to realise that not everyone has the same experience of the menopause and help groups are available if you’re struggling, either locally or on-line. Generally trying to be as healthy as possible will only have a positive impact on your experience. Things like reducing alcohol or nicotine, maintain a healthy exercise and diet, as well as getting enough sleep will help your general mood. Meditation and relaxation exercises and mindfulness can also prove helpful.
Professional Help
You should consult your doctor if you are struggling with the symptoms of the menopause, and it is having a negative impact on your daily life. They will be able to prescribe HRT (hormone replacement therapy) in a variety of forms from, injections, patches, creams or pills to help with your symptoms. They can also prescribe antianxiety medication or anti-depressants if you are suffering with anxiety or depression. The menopause can also affect conditions such as bipolar and schizophrenia so if you find your symptoms worsening you should let your doctor know.
They can also recommend you try therapy to help you with your symptoms. Therapies such as talking therapies like psychotherapy and CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) can be very helpful to help manage your negative feelings, anxiety or depression. Written by Jan, Jeana and Wendy at Barnsley Hypnosis and Counselling (UK). For more free Information click above link.