Today, Tuesday the 18th of October is World Menopause Day and this year’s theme is Cognition and Mood.
Menopause affects over half the world’s population but awareness of its impact is very low. Symptoms can range from cognitive and mental health concerns to insomnia and palpitations.
World Menopause Day is an opportunity to raise awareness and help women understand the options available to them to manage their symptoms.
Menopause is a point in time 12 months after a woman’s last period. The years leading up to that point, when women may have changes in their monthly cycles, hot flashes, or other symptoms, are called the menopausal transition or perimenopause. The menopausal transition most often begins between ages 45 and 55.
A natural decline in reproductive hormones when a woman reaches her 40s or 50s. Menopause is signalled by 12 months since last menstruation.
Common symptoms include hot flashes and vaginal dryness. There may also be sleep disturbances. The combination of these symptoms can cause anxiety or depression.
Usually self-diagnosable
Common symptoms include hot flashes and vaginal dryness. There may also be sleep disturbances. The combination of these symptoms can cause anxiety or depression.
People may experience:
Pain circumstances: can occur during sexual intercourse
Whole body: fatigue, night sweats, osteoporosis, hot flashes, or sweating
Sleep: early awakening or insomnia
Menstrual: absence of menstruation or irregular menstruation
Hair: dryness or loss of scalp hair
Also common: anxiety, dry skin, irritability, low libido, moodiness, or vaginal dryness
Menopause is a natural process with treatments that focus on symptomatic relief. Vaginal dryness is treated with topical lubricants or oestrogen.
Medications can reduce the severity and frequency of hot flushes. In special circumstances, oral hormone therapy may be used.
Dietary supplement Works alone or in conjunction with other treatments to promote health.
