Menopause

Menopause symptoms can vary widely from person to person, but they all stem from changes happening in your body during this natural transition. One common symptom is hot flushes. These sudden waves of heat are caused by fluctuations in oestrogen levels, which affect your body’s ability to regulate temperature. The result is that blood vessels near your skin surface expand, creating a warm sensation. Another frequent symptom is vaginal dryness, which can lead to discomfort during intimacy or everyday activities. This occurs because declining oestrogen levels reduce natural lubrication and thin the vaginal walls. You might also experience mood changes or irritability. These emotional changes are linked to hormone fluctuations, which can impact the chemicals in your brain that regulate mood. Understanding what causes these symptoms is the first step towards finding relief. Your gynaecologist can help you explore treatment options from lifestyle adjustments to hormone replacement therapy tailored to your specific needs.

Menopause is a natural stage of life, but figuring out if you’re experiencing it isn’t always straightforward. The most simplistic definition of menopause is that it marks the cessation of your monthly periods, but we know that this is accompanied by a plethora of other signs and symptoms which can impact your daily life. Let’s talk about whether you can diagnose yourself with menopause and how to get a proper diagnosis. While you may notice symptoms like irregular periods, hot flushes, or mood changes, it’s difficult to diagnose menopause on your own. Many of these symptoms can overlap with other conditions, so it’s important to seek professional guidance to confirm what’s happening. A gynaecologist will start by reviewing your medical history and discussing your symptoms. This helps rule out other potential causes for the changes you’re experiencing. In some cases, your doctor may recommend blood tests to check hormone levels. Whilst these aren’t always necessary, they can help provide additional clarity if your symptoms are unclear or if you’re experiencing menopause earlier than expected. Once menopause is confirmed, your gynaecologist will work with you to create a care plan. This may include lifestyle recommendations, symptom management strategies, or treatments like hormone replacement therapy if needed. If you think you might be in menopause, don’t rely on guesswork. Schedule an appointment with your gynaecologist to get the answers and support you need. We’re here to guide you through this important stage of life.

Menopause is a natural part of life for women. As hormone levels shift, many women experience symptoms like hot flushes, mood swings, and disrupted sleep. It’s normal, but that doesn’t mean you have to just accept it. There are several natural approaches that might help manage symptoms. Some of the most common natural treatments include lifestyle changes, herbal supplements, and mind-body techniques. Lifestyle changes like a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management are foundational. Regular physical activity not only boosts mood but can help with sleep and weight management. Herbal supplements like evening primrose oil are often suggested for symptom relief. These plants have been used for centuries, but some studies show they may help with hot flushes and other symptoms. Mind-body techniques like yoga and mindfulness meditation can help reduce stress and promote emotional well-being, which is so important during the menopause. Whether you choose to explore natural treatments or a combination of options, it’s all about finding what works best for you. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone, and there are plenty of resources available to help you manage your menopause with confidence.

Menopause is a natural journey, but knowing which stage you’re in can help you understand your symptoms and plan for the future. The symptoms you experience can vary according to the stage of the menopause. The first stage is perimenopause, which typically starts in your 40s but can begin earlier. This stage can last anywhere from 4 to 10 years. During perimenopause, you might notice irregular periods where your cycles become shorter or longer, and symptoms like hot flushes, mood swings, or sleep disturbance. The next stage is menopause, which is confirmed when you’ve gone 12 consecutive months without a period. This marks the end of your reproductive years. Common features include persistent hot flushes or night sweats, vaginal dryness, and changes in libido. Finally,  there is post-menopause, which begins after menopause and lasts for the rest of your life. During this stage, hormone levels stabilise, but you may notice persistent symptoms like vaginal dryness and may have an increased risk of bone density loss or osteoporosis. Identifying your stage of menopause can be challenging, especially since symptoms often overlap. A gynaecologist can help by reviewing your symptoms, medical history, and sometimes conducting hormone level tests to provide clarity.

When it comes to treating menopause, the best approach really depends on you and your needs. Every woman is unique, with different backgrounds, medical histories, experiences of symptoms, and priorities in how they want to treat the menopause. For a straightforward approach, a simple menopause consultation might be all you need. This could include discussing lifestyle changes or prescribing HRT to help manage symptoms like hot flushes and mood swings. If you’re looking for a more in-depth evaluation, we can go beyond the basics with advanced consultations. This may include blood tests to check your hormone levels, or even an ultrasound scan of the pelvis to get a clearer picture of your health and screen for any abnormalities in your uterus and ovaries. Sometimes, when you reach the stage of your life when you are going through the menopause, you may prefer a more comprehensive health review, not only looking at hormones, but checking for things like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes as part of a broader health optimisation. Whatever treatment approach feels right for you, we are here to guide you every step of the way.

Menopause can bring a variety of symptoms, and one of the most commonly misunderstood is menopause fatigue. Let’s break down what causes it and what you can do to feel more energised. Menopause fatigue is a persistent sense of exhaustion or lack of energy that doesn’t go away, even with adequate rest. It’s more than just feeling tired; it can affect your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. So what causes menopause fatigue? The primary culprit is hormone changes, specifically a decline in oestrogen and progesterone levels. These hormones play a key role in regulating energy, mood, and sleep. When they drop, you might feel drained more easily. Another factor is sleep disturbance. Many women in menopause experience insomnia or wake up frequently during the night due to hot flushes and night sweats, leaving you feeling exhausted the next day. Stress and anxiety, which can increase during the menopause, also contribute to fatigue. They can drain your mental energy and make it harder for your body to recover. The good news is that menopause fatigue can be managed. Small lifestyle changes like improving sleep hygiene, staying physically active, and eating a balanced diet can make a big difference. In some cases, hormone therapy or other treatments

Menopause fatigue is a common yet often misunderstood symptom of menopause. It’s more than just feeling tired. Menopause fatigue can feel like a deep, persistent exhaustion that doesn’t go away even with rest. You might experience symptoms such as physical exhaustion, feeling drained even after a full night’s sleep, difficulty concentrating or remembering things, often called brain fog, emotional fatigue, feeling irritated, overwhelmed, or less resilient to stress. This overwhelming fatigue is often caused by hormonal changes, particularly the decline in oestrogen levels. These changes can disrupt your sleep, affect your mood, and lower your energy levels. So what can you do about menopause fatigue? Here are two effective approaches. Self-management. Start with small lifestyle adjustments like prioritising regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, and creating a consistent bedtime routine to improve your sleep quality. Medical support. If fatigue is interfering with your everyday life, your gynaecologist can discuss treatment options such as hormone replacement therapy or other medications tailored to your needs.

Perimenopause is a natural transition that can start as early as your 40s, but the symptoms can sometimes catch you off guard. Let’s talk about the first signs of perimenopause and what you can do if you’re experiencing them. One of the earliest signs is a change in your periods. You may notice your cycle becomes shorter, longer, or more unpredictable than usual. Another common symptom is sleep disturbances. Many women report trouble falling or staying asleep, often alongside night sweats and hormonal fluctuations. Speaking of hormones, hot flushes are another classic sign. These sudden waves of heat can occur during the day or night and are often accompanied by sweating. You may also notice mood changes. Perimenopause can bring feelings of irritability, anxiety, or depression, which are linked to shifting hormone levels. It can also worsen existing mental health problems. Lastly, some women experience physical changes such as thinning hair, dry skin, or weight gain, particularly around the abdomen. If you’re noticing any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to check with a gynaecologist. We can guide you on managing symptoms and discuss options like lifestyle changes or hormone replacement therapy.

Low oestrogen levels can cause a range of symptoms that affect your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Some of the common symptoms of low oestrogen include hot flushes and night sweats. Sudden waves of heat that can disrupt your day or interrupt your sleep. Vaginal dryness, which can lead to discomfort during intimacy or even daily activities. Mood swings or irritability. Changes in hormone levels can impact on your emotional balance. Sleep disturbances. Difficulty falling or staying asleep often linked to night sweats. Thinning hair or dry skin. Physical changes like these can be signs of reduced oestrogen levels. Changing your periods. Falling oestrogen levels can make your cycle shorter and heavier. If you’re noticing these symptoms, it’s a good idea to talk to your gynaecologist. Low oestrogen is often linked to menopause or other hormonal conditions, and we can help confirm what’s happening. Your next step might include a discussion about lifestyle changes, symptom management options, or treatments like hormone replacement therapy. The right care plan can make a big difference to improving your quality of life.

Low oestrogen levels can cause a range of symptoms that affect your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Some of the common symptoms of low oestrogen include hot flushes and night sweats. Sudden waves of heat that can disrupt your day or interrupt your sleep. Vaginal dryness, which can lead to discomfort during intimacy or even daily activities. Mood swings or irritability. Changes in hormone levels can impact on your emotional balance. Sleep disturbances. Difficulty falling or staying asleep often linked to night sweats. Thinning hair or dry skin. Physical changes like these can be signs of reduced oestrogen levels. Changing your periods. Falling oestrogen levels can make your cycle shorter and heavier. If you’re noticing these symptoms, it’s a good idea to talk to your gynaecologist. Low oestrogen is often linked to menopause or other hormonal conditions, and we can help confirm what’s happening. Your next step might include a discussion about lifestyle changes, symptom management options, or treatments like hormone replacement therapy. The right care plan can make a big difference to improving your quality of life.