Menopause and Perimenopause
Menopause is an inevitable journey for women. The onset of menopause varies from person to person. Some individuals enter menopause at the age of 45, while others experience it after the age of 50.
What is menopause and perimenopause?
Menopause is when your periods permanently stop due to declining hormone levels.
Perimenopause is a transitional phase with menopause-like symptoms while your periods continue.
Menopause officially begins after 12 consecutive months without a period. Menopause can be divided into three stages:
- Perimenopause period, during which there will be irregular menstrual periods for several years before menstruation ceases completely, signalling the onset of menopause
- Menopause stage, which lasts for a year, characterized by the absence of menstruation
- Postmenopausal period, which begins after menopause and lasts for the rest of a woman's life
Causes of Menopause and Perimenopause
- Aging
- Genetic or chromosomal disorders
- Premature ovarian failure caused by treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and oophorectomy
- Smoking
Symptoms of Menopause and Perimenopause
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Intermittent menstrual bleeding
- Irritability
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Weight gain
- Mood swings
- Dry and aging skin
- Increased wrinkles
- Poor memory
- Feeling tired easily
- Loss of vitality
- Urethral atrophy leading to frequent urination and leakage
- Vaginal dryness, causing pain during sexual intercourse
- Reduced sexual desire, affecting sex life
The decrease in female hormones during menopause is a significant cause of discomfort for women. Moreover, the lack of oestrogen and progesterone can lead to long-term menopausal risks, such as:
- Osteoporosis
- Heart disease
- High cholesterol
- Dementia
Treatments of Menopause and Perimenopause
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
- Effective for relieving menopausal symptoms
- Regimen varies either oestrogen alone or combined with progesterone
- Duration varies (5-10 years), helps resolve the short-term menopause symptoms and prevent long-term risks such as osteoporosis, cholesterol, heart disease, dementia
- Not suitable for women with a family history of invasive breast cancer
- Selective Oestrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs)
- For postmenopausal women of younger age, with a family history of invasive breast cancer
- Help prevent osteoporosis and lower cholesterol and breast cancer risk, but not the additional benefit of lowering the risk of dementia and heart disease
- Alternative Treatments
- Non-hormonal medications
- complementary therapies (e.g., acupuncture, herbal supplements)
- Lifestyle Management
- Dietary Adjustments: Foods rich in vitamin B for dizziness, insomnia, emotional instability; High-protein and iron foods for frequent or heavy menstruation, anaemia
- Exercise: Jogging, walking, Tai Chi for 30-45 minutes daily
- Healthy Habits: Quit smoking and alcohol, limit coffee intake
- Social and Mental Health: Maintain an active social life, positive mindset, and happy mood
Personalised Care for a Brighter Future
With the average lifespan of women increasing and the aging population growing, the number of individuals facing menopausal health challenges is also rising significantly. Considering that women typically have nearly 30 years post-menopause, the dedicated gynaecologists at Prince Court Medical Centre is here to provide comprehensive support and personalized treatment plans. Whether it's hormone therapy, symptom management strategies, or lifestyle adjustments, we offer holistic care tailored to meet individual needs.
