It’s starting ever so slowly - the conversation around menopause and everything that is associated with it. And not before time – according to the NHS over a third of the UK female population are believed to be peri-menopausal (the stage before menopause) or menopausal. That’s 13 million women in the UK alone. It’s something we don’t need to keep to ourselves. Sharing, listening and supporting is essential as we navigate through, what can end up being, several years of our lives.
Traditionally the menopause has been a taboo subject and something that hasn’t had the essential attention and research needed. That is changing as more media attention is given to it, and much needed awareness is being raised by some wonderful, well-known celebrities such as Davina McCall, Lorraine Kelly, Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey.
The way in which we experience these life stages are as unique as we are, a bit like periods and childbirth, no two stories are the same. However as we start to understand more, there are several strands that do appear quite common, including: mood swings, irregular periods, brain fog, anxiety, low self-esteem, poor sleep, reduced sex drive and the notorious hot flushes. It’s no wonder we need to talk about it!
The stages of menopause:
When does menopause happen? According to The Menopause Charity the average age for menopause in the UK is 51 but of course it can happen sooner or later than this.
What’s an early menopause? When experienced by women under 45, it is considered an early menopause, or Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI).
A surgical menopause is one caused by a hysterectomy where the ovaries are also removed – this can happen at any age.
Peri-menopause is the gradual slowing down of your ovaries and this stage can take anywhere between a few months and several years. The average is four years so you can see why the menopause conversation is vital – to help us all understand what is happening to us both physically and mentally over quite a lengthy period.
Menopause – you are considered menopausal when you haven’t had a period for twelve months.
What can you do about it?
There’s no denying that peri-menopause and menopause can be a challenge. That said, some women have very few symptoms. Plenty can be done to help so don’t let these facts and figures dismay you – that’s what the menopause conversation is all about: getting help from friends and family, support groups and professionals like doctors and clinical psychologists (that’s me). We all have a part to play and can help to make this a time of optimism and positivity.
It’s a particular passion of mine – an area of interest, both clinically and personally - and I very much welcome working with women who are experiencing some of the many symptoms that come with peri-menopause and menopause itself.
I’ll be writing more on this subject and will cover its effects on our mental health and what you can do to make menopause easier. In the meantime, if you’d like to talk, email me and we’ll set up a time that suits you.
References
NHS: menopause in the workplace
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