A leading nurse has explained the symptoms of the menopause, and given her top tips for those who are experiencing the condition.
Anne McGale is a practice nurse with 40 years of experience in the field. Belfast Live reports that she has revealed all on symptoms of the menopause, available treatment and how to ease the pain.
Anne said: "Following my own experience of the menopause and looking for information on options, I realised there was a lack of evidenced based menopause information for women. From my work as a nurse I realised that some women were struggling.
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"Some women may not even be aware that the symptoms they are experiencing are due to the peri-menopause.
"I set about researching all aspects of the menopause and trained in many courses through the BMS and developed Menopause Wellbeing NI. I now deliver menopause workshops to businesses, community groups, women, men, managers and husband and wives. I am a member of Newson Health Menopause Society and British Menopause Society."
Read on below for all you need to know about the menopause, the peri-menopause and how to treat them both.
What is the difference between the menopause and the peri-menopause?
The peri-menopause is the time that runs up to the menopause. It is a natural progression from the age of 45-55 with an average age of 51. Menopause is due to a hormonal deficiency - mainly oestrogen and progesterone.
During this time, there are a variety of physical, psychological and mental changes, as the hormones oestrogen and progesterone begin to lower. There are receptors for these hormones all over the body, and when they reduce, women become more aware of these throughout themselves.
The menopause occurs when there has been one full year without a period over the age of 50 and two years without a period under 50-years-old.
What are the common symptoms?
For menopause and peri-menopause, symptoms tend to differ for every woman. Everyone with a female reproductive system will go through the menopause.
Eighty per cent of these people will have symptoms, and 25 per cent will endure severe symptoms. That means 20 per cent of women will have very little awareness of symptoms.
Symptoms can vary, but generally are:
- Night sweats
- Hot flushes
- Weight gain
- Loss of confidence
- Anxiety
- Brain fog
Periods in the peri-menopause can become more frequent or absent for a few cycles and they can be heavier or lighter than normal. Symptoms can last for years, but the average is between four to seven years total.
Lifestyle choices and HRT can help to manage these symptoms.
Where can I go for support during the menopause?
Help and support comes in many forms:
- GPs, practice nurses, pharmacists, clinics, podcasts, the Balance menopause app
- Websites such as British Menopause Society, Newson Health Menopause Society and Women’s Health Concern
- Menopause support groups and cafes offer support in a relaxed and informal way
How do I ease symptoms of menopause?
You can ease some of the symptoms by doing any of the following:
Avoid triggers before bedtime
Avoid hot showers
Wear cotton bedding
Dress in layers
Have water at the bedside
Have a fan or cool water spray
Deep breathing techniques also help
Avoid negative thoughts
What treatment is currently available?
When you begin to go through the menopause, the hormones that are depleting can be replaced by HRT to correct the imbalance. Some women choose to try herbal, natural and alternative treatments.
It is important to check if you’re taking other medicines. It is important to make sure that these new medications do not interact with them, ask your pharmacist who will advise you.
All prescribed medicines are regulated and tested, however the same regime and regulations do not always apply to alternatives. If buying alternative natural products, look for the ”THR” logo as these have been through some regulations.
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