The menopause is a topic that many of us will be familiar with. Whether you’re currently going through it, know someone who is, or have come out the other side, it’s often portrayed in a negative light.
However, Nikki Porges, registered nurse in AXA Health’s 24/7 health support line, for members, is here to dispel those misconceptions and help highlight that women can be in control of this time in their lives and that they are not alone.
Definitely not true. While it’s reported that 3 in 41 women will experience hot flushes, not every woman will experience the same symptoms, and every menopause journey is different.
Hot flushes and night sweats might be more commonly associated with the menopause but there are a whole range of other symptoms that can occur during this time. Just as a few examples, symptoms can include:
With no set frequency or timeframe on how long hot flushes last, this symptom can be difficult to cope with but there some herbal remedies that could help.
For example, plant extracts like St John’s wort can help reduce night sweats, but do check with your GP before taking any remedies; as some can react with other medicines you may be taking.
Although the average age for the menopause to start in the UK is 51,2 this age isn’t set in stone.
The menopause is defined as when there has been an absence of periods for 12 months, after this timeframe a woman is considered post-menopausal for the rest of her life. This could occur anywhere from the age of 45 to 55, and for some women could happen before the age of 42, which is then considered as ‘early menopause’.
It’s a common myth but turning 50 doesn’t mean the start of the menopause.
It can be a difficult time with physical and emotional changes taking place and hormone levels dropping, but you can be in control of your menopause journey and come out from this feeling healthier and more in control of your health, lifestyle and life than before.
Various steps can be taken to help get you through this time. For example, lifestyle and diet changes are very useful during this time, as well as looking at what medications or alternative therapies are available. Every woman will choose to manage this differently, but the key takeaway is whatever choices are made symptoms can be managed.
It’s also good to remember there is support available, whether that’s:
there is light at the end of the tunnel, and this won’t last forever.
This is another common myth and one that’s important we dispel. With hormone levels rapidly changing during this time, it can cause a range of emotional and mental health symptoms, as well as the physical ones.
Mood swings, anxiety, stress, low mood, and a lack of concentration can be frequently encountered. If you’ve ever heard of ‘brain fog’ then this is another symptom commonly associated with the menopause, where there’s an increased tendency to forget and a decreased ability to concentrate and remain focused.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can be very helpful in managing these types of symptoms, as well as hot flushes and sleeplessness, alongside HRT or non HRT-based medication. This type of talking therapy can also help with low mood and anxiety3 caused by the menopause and perimenopause.
Alternative therapies such as aromatherapy, reflexology acupuncture etc are often helpful as well, either alongside HRT or for anyone taking a non-HRT approach.
The amount of information that’s available on the menopause can be overwhelming and it can be confusing to know what is accurate. But asking for support can be a powerful step in helping to gain control of this time in your life, and gain an understanding what your mind and body is currently going through.
Discover further myths on the perimenopause, lesser-known symptoms and treatments in our menopause mythbuster series.
Further reading
References
Discover AXA Health insurance
I'm interested in health insurance for myself or my family members.
I’m interested in health insurance and wellbeing services for my small business.
I'm interested in health insurance and wellbeing services for my business.
