what is menopause

The word 'menopause' comes from the Greek words 'menos' meaning month, and ‘pause' meaning to cease. It’s the time when your reproductive system is winding down and coming to an end. Identifying this time can be tricky as your hormones fluctuate for months or even years around this time! Most women go through menopause between 45 and 55, with the average being 52. If menopause occurs between 41 and 45, it’s referred to as Early Menopause and if under 40, Premature Menopause. In fact, about one in a thousand women experience menopause before 30 and often no cause can be found. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for menopause at any age. Once the ovaries stop working, they can’t be switched on again. Menopause can also be a side effect from other medical conditions. For example, radiation or chemotherapy to treat cancer, or if ovaries are removed. Symptoms of menopause According to The Jean Hailes Foundation, 20% of women will have no symptoms at all, 20% will have severe symptoms and 60% will have mild to moderate symptoms. Because the effects are hormonal, they can affect you both physically and emotionally. Symptoms and their severity can vary widely, so don’t panic too much when you read this rather long list!  

Physical Symptoms	Emotional Symptoms
Irregular periods and spotting	Mood swings
Aches and pains	Difficulty concentrating
Bloating	Difficulty sleeping
Crawling or itchy skin	Feeling anxious
Headaches/migraines	Feeling irritable
Hot flushes	Feeling less able to cope than usual
Increased tiredness/wakefulness	Forgetfulness
Night sweats	Increased PMS
Sore breasts	Reduced interest in sex
Urinary problems	Lowered mood
Vaginal dryness
Weight gain

  You might not experience all of these and many may be mild, but if you are doing it tough, speak to your GP about your options.