MENOPAUSE

MENOPAUSE AND YOU

Menopause occurs for all women, generally beginning around the age of 50 years, however, has been known to start earlier or later for some.  Menopause is signified by three stages of change in a women’s body including their menstrual cycle.  The changes that a woman’s body undertakes during the stages of Menopause can cause a range of symptoms that can affect their daily life and the way they interact with family and friends.

Burwood Health is now offering Menopause Clinics to help people navigate these changes through a range of clinical and lifestyle changes.

What is Menopause?

Menopause is a natural process that happens in all women.  It occurs when your ovaries stop releasing eggs, and the levels of your hormones, estrogen and progesterone change and the lining of your womb (uterus) things and eventually, you periods stop.

Menopause is defined as not having a period for:

  • more than one year, if you are not pregnant and older than 50 years
  • more than two years, if you’re not pregnant and younger than 50 years

 

What is Perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the time in life when your periods become irregular before they finally stop and you enter Menopause.  This usually lasts between four and eight years.

 

What is Post Menopause?

Post Menopause starts from one year after your last period.

 

Common symptoms of Menopause

Symptoms cause by Menopause can begin within the Perimenopause stage and may include both physical and emotional changes.  These are caused by the falling level of estrogen in your body.

Symptoms, and duration of symptoms vary between each person, and some women have no symptoms at all

 

Symptoms may include:

  • Irregular periods
  • Hot flushes
  • Night sweats
  • Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Low interest in sex (low libido)
  • Poor memory and concentration
  • Anxiety, irritability or other mood changes
  • Weight gain

Menopause can also increase a women’s risk of getting Osteoporosis

 

IMPORTANT

Heavy periods, bleeding between periods, and bleeding after sex are not part of Menopause.

If these symptoms occur, please contact the practice to arrange an appointment with your GP.

 

YOU SHOULD ALSO SEE YOUR GP IF:

If you are under the age of 40 years and are experiencing Menopause symptoms, or you start bleeding again after not having a period for 12 months of more, please contact your GP and arrange an appointment.

 

When should you see us?

Menopause can be a stressful time for women as their bodies undergo a series of changes.

If you find that your Menopause symptoms are having an effect of your daily activities, it might be time to talk to your doctor, especially if you find the following:

  • You are struggling with your hormones
  • Relationships / Life / Work are being affected due to Menopause symptoms

 

Burwood Health now offers Menopause Consultations, to find out more about these appointment please visit our Menopause Consultations page.