Questions about Menopause: A Comprehensive Guide

Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. We understand that many women have questions about this significant life transition. In this blog post, we’ll address common queries about menopause, its stages, symptoms, and treatment options.

What is Menopause?

Menopause is defined as the point when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months^[2]. It typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average age in the UK being 51^[3]. Menopause is a normal part of ageing and marks the end of fertility.

Stages of Menopause

Menopause is not a sudden event but rather a gradual process that occurs in three stages:

1. 1. Perimenopause: This is the transitional phase leading up to menopause. It can start several years before menopause, typically in a woman’s 40s.
   2. Menopause: This is the point when a woman has not had a period for 12 consecutive months.
   3. Postmenopause: This refers to the years following menopause.

Perimenopause

Perimenopause, also known as the menopausal transition, is the first stage of the menopausal process. It typically begins in a woman’s 40s, but can start as early as the mid-30s. This stage is characterised by fluctuating hormone levels, particularly oestrogen and progesterone.

Key features of perimenopause

• Duration: On average, perimenopause lasts about four years, but it can range from a few months to up to eight years.

• Hormonal changes: Oestrogen levels begin to decline, but in an irregular pattern, often with sharp rises and falls.

• Menstrual changes: Periods may become irregular, either more or less frequent, and flow may be heavier or lighter.

• Onset of symptoms: Women may begin to experience menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, sleep disturbances, and mood changes.

Menopause

Menopause itself is not a stage, but a single point in time marking the end of menstrual periods. It is officially diagnosed when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period.

Key features of menopause

• Age of onset: The average age of menopause in the UK is 51, but it can occur between 45 and 55 years of age.

• Hormonal state: Oestrogen production by the ovaries has significantly decreased.

• Fertility: Marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years

Postmenopause

Postmenopause refers to the years following menopause. This stage lasts for the rest of a woman’s life.

Key features of postmenopause

• Duration: Begins immediately after menopause and continues indefinitely.
• Hormonal state: Oestrogen and progesterone levels remain consistently low.
• Symptom changes: Some menopausal symptoms may persist for 4-5 years into postmenopause, but they typically decrease in frequency and intensity.
• Health considerations: Women in postmenopause are at increased risk for certain health conditions, such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease

How Long Do the Stages Last?

The duration of each stage can vary significantly among women:

• Perimenopause typically lasts 4-8 years but can be shorter or longer^[2].

• Menopause is a single point in time marking 12 months without a period.

• Postmenopause lasts for the rest of a woman’s life.

Most Common Symptoms of Menopause

The symptoms of menopause can vary widely among women, but some of the most common include:

• Hot flushes and night sweats
• Mood changes
• Vaginal dryness
• Sleep problems
• Changes in libido
• Weight gain and slowed metabolism
• Thinning hair and dry skin^[3]

Best Vitamins for Menopause

While a balanced diet is crucial during menopause, certain vitamins may help manage symptoms:

• Vitamin D: Essential for bone health and may help reduce the risk of osteoporosis^[4].

• Vitamin B6: May help with mood changes and energy levels^[1].

• Vitamin E: Could help with hot flushes and night sweats^[1].

• Calcium: For maintaining strong bones. During menopause, the decrease in estrogen levels can accelerate bone loss, increasing the risk of osteoporosis

• Folic acid: Important for cell growth and forming red blood cells. Folic acid can help reduce symptoms such as fatigue and irritability during menopause.

It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements.

How Do You Know When Menopause Finishes?

Menopause itself is a single point in time, but the transition process is complete when you enter the postmenopausal stage. This is generally considered to be when you’ve gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period^[2]. However, some symptoms may persist for several years into postmenopause.

Many women experience a range of positive symptoms as menopause ends, including:

• Increased energy levels
• Enhanced libido
• Improved concentration
• Better sleep quality
• Fewer or no hot flashes

However, it’s essential to remember that postmenopause can also bring about certain challenges. As highlighted by the NHS, some women may experience:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Lower estrogen levels can affect the bladder and vaginal tissues, increasing the risk of UTIs.

• Urinary incontinence: The tissues of the vagina and urethra lose elasticity during menopause, which can lead to involuntary loss of urine or strong urges to urinate.

• Pain during sex: Vaginal dryness due to lower estrogen levels can cause discomfort during intercourse.

• Weight gain: Hormonal changes can affect the body’s metabolism, leading to weight gain.

Prescription Treatments for Menopause

There are several prescription treatments available for managing menopause symptoms:

• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): This can be very effective for managing a range of menopause symptoms.

• Gina: This is a local oestrogen treatment specifically designed to treat vaginal atrophy. It can help with symptoms such as vaginal dryness, irritation, and painful intercourse. As a licensed online pharmacy, we can supply Gina after a short consultation. Click here for more info.

• Antidepressants: These may be prescribed to help with mood changes or hot flushes.

• Gabapentin: This medication can help manage hot flushes in some women.

It’s crucial to discuss these options with your GP or a menopause specialist to determine the most appropriate treatment for your individual needs.

Pharmacy Advance Can Help Control Your Symptoms Effectively

Remember, while menopause is a natural process, it can be challenging. If you’re struggling with symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek support from healthcare professionals. At Pharmacy Advance, we’re here to help provide the help you need to manage your menopause symptoms effectively.

View Menopause Management Options

Sources:

1. https://www.healthline.com/health/menopause/vitamins-for-menopause
2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21841-menopause
3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20353397
4. https://www.summahealth.org/flourish/entries/2023/04/preparing-for-menopause-understanding-the-signs-and-symptoms-in-all-three-stages
5. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21837-postmenopause
6. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/symptoms/
7. https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/womens-health/later-years-around-50-years-and-over/menopause-and-post-menopause-health/after-the-menopause/
8. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2023.1211896/full