When your ovaries stop producing the hormone oestrogen at the end of your reproductive years (usually around the age of 50), you enter the menopause, or ‘the change’. Strictly speaking, the menopause is the date of your last period, but most people use the term to refer to the time around your last period, which may last for a few years.

menopausal symptoms

The drop in hormone levels can cause a host of symptoms, both psychological and physical, and so many women find that the menopause isn’t the easiest time in their lives, which hardly seems fair: after coping with monthly periods and perhaps childbirth, even the end of your reproductive years may not come easy. Saying that, the situation isn’t all doom and gloom – many women ‘sail’ through the menopause without any major problems.

Here’s a list of some common menopausal symptoms:

  • A burning sensation and itching in your genital area.
  • Changes to your skin.
  • Changes to your periods, which eventually stop altogether.
  • Dryness and persistent discomfort in your vagina.
  • General irritation, anxiety, forgetfulness and symptoms of depression.
  • Hot flushes and night sweats.
  • Loss of libido.
  • Migraines.
  • Pain during sexual intercourse because of lack of lubrication.

Many women find talking about some of these menopausal symptoms difficult, and suffer in silence. If you suffer from any such menopausal symptoms, you feel you’re entering the menopause early (called premature menopause) or you have any other concerns, do see your GP because various treatments are available that can improve or get rid of your symptoms. Options include topical hormone preparations and oral hormone replacement therapy (HRT). You may need continued treatment for quite a while for it to be effective.

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Filed under: Women's Health

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