Menopause
Menopause is the last menstrual (monthly) period in a woman’s life. It is a natural occurrence, which marks the end of the reproductive years, just as the first menstrual period during puberty marked the start.
Most people reach menopause between the ages of 45 and 55, the average being around 50. Menopause before the age of 40 is called ‘premature menopause’.
Hormone levels fluctuate as menopause approaches
As we approach menopause the production of hormones (for example oestrogen) by the ovaries starts to slow down. As this process accelerates, hormone levels fluctuate more and often a woman notices changes in her menstrual cycle:
- Cycles may become longer, shorter or totally irregular
- Bleeding may become lighter
- Bleeding may become unpredictable and heavy (seek advice from your doctor).
Although fertility after the age of 45 is low, contraception, even if only barrier contraception, is needed until you have had one year without a natural period.
Other signs and symptoms
The most common symptom is the hot flush. However, women sometimes experience several of these symptoms:
- Aches and pains
- Crawling or itching sensations under the skin
- Forgetfulness
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Lack of self-esteem
- Reduced sex drive (libido)
- Sleeping difficulty
- Tiredness
- Urinary frequency
- Vaginal dryness.
Decline of female hormones after menopause may lead to:
- Thinning of the bones (osteoporosis) leading to increased risk of fractures.
- An increase in the risk of heart attack.
Often, if you improve your lifestyle habits, unpleasant symptoms of the menopause will be greatly reduced, so try these first:
Healthy diet
- Choose a wide variety of foods, including plenty of fresh vegetables, fruits, cereals, whole grains and small portions of lean meat, fish or chicken several times per week.
- Increase fluids and eat low fat dairy foods with high calcium content.
- Decrease caffeine and limit alcohol (1-2 standard glasses or less, per day).
Regular exercise - at least 30-45 minutes most days of the week will:
- Maintain your heart health and improve your general health
- Keep your bones healthy and prevent bone loss through osteoporosis
- Help maintain good balance so reduce the risk of injury from falls
- Provide a feeling of relaxation and wellbeing
- Help improve hot flushes.
It is important to understand the changes your body is going through. There are many different sources of information available. Make sure you seek out credible websites and brochures that provide up-to-date, non-biased information from organisations that specialise in women’s health.
Avoid smoking
It’s important to avoid smoking because of the associated risk of osteoporosis, coronary heart disease and lung cancer (which may soon exceed breast cancer as the leading cause of death in women).
Think positive
Some women experience mood changes such as mild depression and irritability. These symptoms are often secondary to physical changes such as hot flushes, night sweats and poor sleeping. It’s important to keep a positive outlook.
Regular Pap smear and breast checks
You should have:
- Two-yearly Pap smears (see your doctor)
- A two-yearly mammogram (a free service if you are over 50).
Hormone replacement effectively reduces many of the unpleasant effects of symptoms of the menopause and may be appropriate for short term use in women with moderate to severe menopausal symptoms. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of hormone replacement with your own doctor.
Natural therapies
These can be of benefit to some women. It is important to remember that ‘natural’ herb and plant medications can have unpleasant side effects in some women, as can prescribed western medications. A registered naturopath may provide long term guidance and balance through the menopausal years.
Natural therapies can often be taken in conjunction with hormone replacement. It is important to let both your doctor and naturopath know exactly what each has prescribed.
Where to get help
- The Jean Hailes Medical Centre for Women, Tel. (03) 9562 7555
- Your doctor
- Local Community Health Service
- Specialised Women’s Health Clinic
- Mammogram screening, Tel. 132 050 for an appointment at your nearest centre.
- Menopause means the end of monthly periods.
- You may experience a range of symptoms.
- A healthy lifestyle will help to manage symptoms.
- You should have regular breast checks and Pap smears.
- Mammogram screening is free if you are over 50.
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Article publication date: 26/10/1999
Last reviewed: 31/01/2004
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