What is menopause?
Menopause marks a special time in a woman's life when her monthly periods naturally come to a halt. It happens because the ovaries, which produce hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, start slowing down.
As you approach menopause, your body goes through some changes due to less estrogen. It's a gradual process that takes several years. Estrogen isn't just responsible for periods; it also helps keep your bones, heart, and brain healthy.
Typically, menopause occurs between ages 45 and 55, and it's officially confirmed when you've had no periods for a whole year. But before you reach that milestone, you might go through a phase called "perimenopause." This is the transition period when your ovaries are gradually winding down.
During this time, it's crucial to get the right guidance to navigate the journey effectively. You can explore various options, including Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and alternative therapies, to see what works best for you.
Remember, the menopause journey is unique to each woman, and it's all about embracing this new phase of life. You have the power to make informed choices for your well-being, and we're here to support you every step of the way.
For more information and resources, you can check out these helpful links:
Irish College of GPs Menopause Patient Information
The menopause transition can have a considerable impact on many women. All women should be able to access advice on how they can fully embrace and optimise their menopause transition. There should be an opportunity to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of their management options including Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and alternative therapies.
80% - 90% of women will experience some menopausal symptoms, with 25% describing them as severe or debilitating. This can have very significant implications for women at work.
The most common symptoms are hot flashes and night sweats. These are experienced by 70% - 80% of women.
Other symptoms may include:
low mood or energy levels
anxiety
disturbed sleep or insomnia
low libido or low sexual desire
impaired memory and concentration
‘brain fog’
joint aches
headaches
palpitations
vaginal dryness
urinary symptoms
Start with our Menopause Symptom Scorecard to determine your symptomatic starting position.