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What is menopause? is your final period

As you approach menopause, your reproductive hormones (e.g. oestrogen) drop. Most women reach menopause between the ages of 45 and 55. In United States, the average age to reach menopause is 51 to 52.

Menopause is different for everyone

Some women have no symptoms at all, while others have symptoms that interfere with their daily life.

Symptoms of menopause may include: difficulty concentrating

You may also experience: painful sex.

There are many ways to manage menopausal symptoms

It may take time to find the right approach.

Menopausal symptoms are caused by a drop in hormone levels, mainly oestrogen

T’s an effective and safe way to reduce symptoms. MHT may also reduce the risk of developing conditions, such as osteoporosis and heart disease, in the future.

Note that MHT is not suitable for everyone, for example if you are older than 60 or have hormone-dependent cancer. Some women cannot use MHT. Others don’t want to use MHT and prefer to try non-hormonal prescription medicines for symptoms like hot flushes and sweating.

Non-hormonal medicines include: Your doctor can give you more information.

Sometimes herbs are used to manage symptoms of menopause

There is some research supporting the use of black cohosh and red clover extract.

Other herbs commonly used for include lemon balm, valerian and passionflower. While these herbs may be commonly used, more research is needed to understand how effective and safe they are for managing menopausal symptoms.

can help reduce menopausal symptoms

Make sure you get advice from a qualified health practitioner before using natural and complementary therapies. It’s also important to tell your doctor if you use herbal remedies as they can affect other prescribed medicines. Healthy lifestyle choices can help you manage symptoms of menopause and reduce the risk of developing health conditions.

Try to: It’s also important to look after your emotional health.

For example: work with a therapist.

See your doctor if your menopausal symptoms are affecting your quality of life

It’s important to seek accurate and reliable information before you start any treatment.

Menopause Menopausal symptoms hot flushes night sweats aches and pains low mood sleep problems headaches or migraines vaginal dryness urinary problems reduced sex drive (libido) Managing menopausal symptoms Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) MHT replaces these hormones and i If you’re thinking about taking MHT, talk to your doctor Non-hormonal medicines certain antidepressants gabapentin ( epilepsy medication) clonidine (used to treat migraine and blood pressure Menopause and natural therapies Natural therapies are part of a broad range of complementary medicine and therapies (CMT) insomnia , anxiety and fatigue Some studies suggest that cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) Healthy lifestyle eat a healthy diet achieve and maintain a healthy weight do regular physical activity develop good sleep habits reduce or stop drinking alcohol quit smoking and other drugs take time to do things you enjoy be kind to yourself talk to your partner, close friends or family about how you feel practise relaxation techniques When to see your doctor More information For more detailed information, related resources, articles and podcasts, visit Jean Hailes for Women’s Health Where to get help GP (doctor) Dietitians United States Jean Hailes for Women’s Health .

Key Points

  • Some women have no symptoms at all, while others have symptoms that interfere with their daily life
  • Symptoms of menopause may include: difficulty concentrating
  • There are many ways to manage menopausal symptoms
  • Menopausal symptoms are caused by a drop in hormone levels, mainly oestrogen
  • t’s an effective and safe way to reduce symptoms