Menopause Support
Some symptoms of menopause
One prevalent menopausal symptom is what’s often referred to as “brain fog,” a sensation akin to having your mind wrapped in a cloud of confusion. This can lead to heightened forgetfulness, resulting in occasional lapses in memory, such as misplacing items or struggling to retain information. We acknowledge that this can significantly impede your ability to focus and concentrate.
It’s worth noting that Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) may offer some relief from brain fog. Therefore, we recommend discussing this option with your GP to explore potential solutions.
Vaginal atrophy, also known as Atrophic Vaginitis or Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), is a condition characterized by the thinning of vaginal walls, leading to various discomforts such as:
- Pain during sexual intercourse.
- Urinary issues.
- Pain or a burning sensation during urination.
- Vaginal dryness.
- Occasional spotting of blood after sexual activity.
Fortunately, there are effective strategies to manage vaginal atrophy. These include the use of topical estrogen treatments, vaginal moisturizers, and water-based lubricants. These options can significantly improve comfort and quality of life for individuals experiencing this condition. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most suitable approach for your specific needs.
These are very common alongside menopause. They may be down to your fluctuating hormones – making you feel irrational, out of control at times and anxious.
Equally, they’re an understandable reaction to all the symptoms (and more) that we’ve talked about.
Controlling your mood may be easier said than done, but try to:
- Get plenty of rest
- Exercise regularly (even if it’s a light walk)
- Do activities that relax you
- Reach out to family and friends
If you’re experiencing a continuous low for 2 weeks or more, speak to your GP – it could be a sign of depression
Hot flushes are one of the more notorious menopause symptoms.
These sudden, intense feelings of warmth are thought to be due to changes in the part of your brain that regulates your temperature.
Your diet can have some effect on your hot flushes. Avoid triggers like alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods if you’re looking to stave them off.
Soya and flaxseeds (linseeds) are a great source of plant oestrogens which lightly mimic the effects of oestrogen in the body and can reduce the frequency and severity of hot flushes in some women.
Did you know that menopause can affect your bones and joints, too?
About 40% of people report painful joints during this time.
This is because oestrogen helps to reduce inflammation and maintain bone density. It’s estimated that you’ll lose up to 10% of your bone density in the first five years of menopause.
If you feel able, taking low-impact exercises like swimming or light stretching like yoga may help to maintain your mobility and soothe sore joints.
We're here for you
Take action now to seek support and learn how to manage your menopausal symptoms effectively. Click the link below to access valuable resources and guidance on your menopause journey.
You don't have to go through it alone – let's face menopause together!
We're here for you
Take action now to seek support and learn how to manage your menopausal symptoms effectively. Click the link below to access valuable resources and guidance on your menopause journey.
You don't have to go through it alone – let's face menopause together!
Stages of Menopause
Menopause FAQs
Menopause marks the phase in a woman’s life when menstruation ceases. This natural transition occurs due to declining estrogen levels as one ages, and it is a universal experience for individuals who have menstruated.
Officially, you are considered menopausal once you have gone 12 consecutive months without a period.
The period leading up to menopause is referred to as perimenopause, during which you may encounter various signs and symptoms, including:
- Irregular menstrual cycles.
- Hot flashes.
- Night sweats.
- Sleep disturbances, like insomnia.
- Mood fluctuations.
- Experiencing “brain fog.”
- Changes in libido, often occurring several months or even years before your periods come to an end.
Menopause affects everyone in different ways. Most people experience changes for a few years before, during, and after menopause. On average, perimenopause lasts about 4 years. Then, you may experience postmenopausal signs for a few years more.
In total, this transition lasts for about 7 years – though anywhere from 4 years to 14 years is usual.
Menopause is a highly individualized experience, and the age at which it occurs can vary significantly. Typically, most women will undergo menopause between the ages of 45 and 55.
If you find yourself experiencing menopausal signs and symptoms before the age of 45, it’s categorized as early menopause. It’s important to seek guidance from your GP if you notice these signs occurring earlier than expected. They can provide valuable insights and support tailored to your unique situation.
Your ovaries stop releasing eggs and your levels of oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone begin to drop. Low oestrogen is responsible for many of the common menopause signs.
The body then starts to produce more follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) as a response to its low oestrogen levels.
Because your body stops producing eggs, you are no longer able to get pregnant naturally.
These hormonal changes can also trigger a whole range of physical and emotional symptoms. Everyone experiences different signs, at different times, and to different degrees – so we can’t say exactly what’s in store for you.
The most common signs of menopause are irregular periods, hot flushes, night sweats, and changes in your mood..Hot flushes are sudden feelings of warmth. They’re caused by hormonal fluctuations and you may suddenly feel very hot and sweaty for a few minutes at a time.
During menopause you might feel anxious, down, or more irritable than before. You may also feel “foggy” or have problems with your memory.
Muscle and joint pain, bladder problems, hair thinning, and heart palpitations can all be associated with menopause, too.
Hormonal changes can also impact your libido (sex drive) and sexual behaviours. Your vagina thins out and produces less natural lubrication, so sex may feel dryer or cause some discomfort.
But this doesn’t have to be the end of your sex life! There are ways to keep you feeling comfortable and confident in the bedroom through menopause.
Usually, it’s just a case of your symptoms stopping.
You won’t have had a period for at least 12 months (but most likely longer), and your changes have eased.
Maybe you’re sleeping better, your mood feels more stable, or you can focus more easily than you could during menopause.
But, remember: you’ve just been through a challenging and hormonal time. It’s okay not to “snap back”, or to have a different outlook on your body and health.
Whatever your menopause looks like, we’re here to listen.