Let’s talk about Menopause

We hope you find the following information useful. The menopause consultation is an ideal opportunity to encourage and enable you through healthy lifestyle choices and where possible, we can support your informed choice. Our aim is to provide you with all the information available in order to make these choices. Our GP Partner Rose Smith has curated the below information to support our patients.

Closed Captions Available
Definitions:
  • Menopause – Last menstrual Period – retrospective diagnosis
  • Peri menopause – first biochemical or physical changes until 12 months after last menstrual period (LMP)
  • Post menopause – 12 months after LMP
Facts about menopause:
  • It is when a woman stops having regular periods. Periods usually start to become less frequent over a few months or years before they stop altogether.
  • It is a natural part of aging that generally occurs between 45 – 55 years of age. Defined by lack of Oestrogen.
  • Average age is 51.
  • Early menopause would be defined as <45 years.
  • Every woman experiences menopause differently. Some women may have very severe symptoms, whilst others will barely have any.

Why is it important we talk about menopause?

  • 1/3 life in menopause
  • Lots of GP consultation time
  • 50% women don’t consult
  • Affect on relationships (51%)
  • 45% women said affected work – often reducing hours/quitting – workforce issue!
  • ¾ women said caused them to change their lives

AFFECTS ALL WOMEN

What are the possible Symptoms?

  • anxiety
  • low mood
  • memory problems
  • fatigue
  • feeling very low and joyless
  • irritability
  • poor sleep
  • headaches
  • vaginal dryness
  • heart palpitations
  • muscle pain
  • joint pain
  • urinary symptoms
  • reduced libido

FAQs

  • If you have menopausal symptoms that are troubling you or if you’re experiencing symptoms of the menopause before 45 years of age.
  • GP can usually confirm whether you’re menopausal based on your symptoms, but a blood test to measure your hormone levels may be carried out if you’re under 45.
  • Your GP can offer treatments and suggest lifestyle changes if you have severe menopausal symptoms that interfere with your day-to-day life. Treatments include:
  • Patches, gel, spray, tablets and implants that relieve menopausal symptoms by replacing oestrogen.
  • If you still have a womb you will also need a Progesterone – usually Utrogestan or a Mirena coil.
  • Vaginal Oestrogen Creams, lubricants or moisturisers for vaginal dryness.
  • Maintaining a healthy weight and keeping fit can improve some menopausal symptoms.
Complementary and alternative therapies you could consider
Dietary Guidance for Menopause
  • Calcium – Aim for 1,200 milligrams a day
  • Adequate Fibre in your diet
  • Eat fresh fruit and Vegetables ++
  • Read labels – To help yourself make the best choices
  • Drink plenty of water – 8 glasses
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Cut back on high-fat foods
  • Use sugar and salt in moderation – Known to help blood pressure
  • Limit alcohol – To one or fewer drinks a day
Useful Resources
  • Balance app Dr Louise Newson – Ability to track symptoms, record how treatment improves symptoms, monitor health and wellbeing, share personal stories and also join a wider community

Balance also offers access to expert content personalised to each woman, share stories, and a whole lot more – for free

https://www.balance-menopause.com/menopause-library/

https://www.balance-menopause.com/balance-app/

https://www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets/

  • Menopause – NHS This gives an insight and overview of symptoms and treatments

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/

Prescribable alternatives to HRT, for those who want an alternative or can’t take HRT due to medical history:

https://thebms.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/02-BMS-TfC-Prescribable-alternatives-to-HRT-03A-JUNE2022.pdf

Easy Listening/Podcasts and YouTube
Podcasts
  • Dr Louise Newson discusses a wide range of menopause topics Podcasts | My Menopause 
  • Well Well Well – The Happy Menopause Podcasts

The Nutrition & Lifestyle Podcast for Midlife Women – https://www.well-well-well.co.uk/

  • The Mid-Point with Gabby Logan
YouTube