Is There a Safe and Effective Menopause Treatment in London?

Menopause marks a significant life transition for women. Physical, emotional, and mental changes often accompany it. Once anointed, the "change of life," this period typically coincides with children leaving home, allowing women to focus on new life chapters.

While menopause usually arrives around age 50, its symptoms can begin as early as the 40s. This article explores menopause, its precursor, perimenopause, and strategies to manage associated discomforts.

What is Menopause Really?

Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life when menstruation stops permanently. It occurs due to a decline in oestrogen, a crucial hormone.

The ovaries are vital reproductive organs responsible for producing eggs and essential hormones like oestrogen and progesterone. As a woman ages, the ovaries gradually produce less oestrogen, ultimately leading to menopause.

What is Perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the often-overlooked prelude to menopause. It's a transitional phase occurring between the ages of 35 and 55 when a woman's hormone levels start fluctuating. This hormonal shift often marks the start of menopause-related symptoms, which can persist for several years.

Common early signs of perimenopause include irregular menstrual cycles, hot flushes, and vaginal dryness. While fertility generally declines during this time, it's essential to continue using contraception if you don't want to get pregnant. Menopause officially arrives after a full year without a menstrual period.

Symptoms of Menopause or Perimenopause

Menopause brings with it a host of potential symptoms, though not every woman experiences them all or to the same degree. While over 30 symptoms are linked to menopause, many women notice only a handful, and some feel no discomfort at all. However, classic signs commonly signal the onset of menopause.

Here are the ten most frequent symptoms:

• Irregular periods: Even women with consistently regular periods may notice changes as menopause approaches. It can manifest as altered timing or variations in flow, such as heavier bleeding or spotting.

• Hot flushes: The sudden surge in body temperature characterising hot flushes is a well-known menopausal symptom. Many women liken the sensation to an internal furnace igniting.

• Night sweats: Intense nighttime sweating is another common menopausal complaint. Like hot flushes, these episodes often start abruptly and can drench sleepwear and bedding.

• Increased urination: Declining oestrogen levels can weaken the pelvic floor, affecting bladder control. It can lead to more frequent urination and, in some cases, bladder or bowel problems or even pelvic organ prolapse.

• Sleep disruptions: Hot flushes, night sweats, and frequent bathroom trips can severely disrupt sleep during and after menopause. Hormonal changes can also trigger anxiety-related sleep disturbances and early morning awakenings.

• Mood swings and irritability: While menopause doesn't cause depression, research indicates that around 20% of women experience depressive symptoms during this life stage. Menopause interferes with the body's serotonin production, the chemical regulating mood and happiness.

• Vaginal dryness and itching: Reduced vaginal lubrication is a typical perimenopausal symptom. Severe dryness, burning, or itching might signal atrophic vaginitis, a thinning of the vaginal walls. This condition is more prevalent in smokers, women without vaginal births, and those with low sexual activity.

• Painful intercourse: Many women find sex uncomfortable during and after menopause. Vaginal dryness and tissue thinning increase the risk of vaginal tears.

• Pelvic floor issues: Painful sex may signal pelvic floor problems. Whether or not you've had children, bladder or bowel weakness, incontinence, or pelvic organ prolapse can occur. Pelvic floor muscles might become tense or weak.

• Cognitive difficulties: Memory lapses, brain fog, and concentration problems are common menopausal complaints. These issues can impact work and self-confidence, with some women feeling overwhelmed or disoriented.

If you experience any of the menopause symptoms, consider getting in touch with a private gynaecologist in London to get a personalised treatment plan.

What is Premature Menopause?

Premature menopause strikes earlier, affecting women under 40. It occurs when the ovaries fail to produce sufficient oestrogen, a condition known as primary ovarian insufficiency. Without adequate oestrogen, the ovaries cease egg production, leading to infertility.

Symptoms of premature menopause mirror those of regular menopause. In response to declining oestrogen levels, the pituitary gland increases follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) production. Measuring FSH levels can help diagnose premature menopause.

If you're under 40 and experiencing menopausal symptoms, book an appointment with a healthcare professional at a London clinic. Through assessment and blood tests, they can determine whether premature menopause is the cause.

How Can I Ease Menopause Symptoms?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is often the first option women consider when dealing with perimenopause and menopause. While HRT can be beneficial, it's not suitable for everyone and carries potential risks. If you're seeking natural relief, consider these strategies.

Tackling Hot Flushes

Hot flushes can be managed by identifying and avoiding triggers. Spicy food, alcohol, caffeine, stress, and sugar commonly induce these uncomfortable sensations. Reducing exposure to these factors may lessen the frequency or intensity of hot flushes.

Night sweats, a bothersome consequence of hot flushes, can disrupt sleep. Opt for lightweight, breathable sleepwear made from natural fabrics like cotton or silk. A frozen pea pack under your pillow can provide soothing relief during hot flushes.

Improving Sleep

Sleep disturbances are common during menopause. Performing physical activity up to three hours before bedtime can enhance sleep quality.

Managing Mood Swings

Menopause-related mood swings can be challenging. Relaxation techniques and enjoyable activities can help. If symptoms are severe, consulting a doctor may be necessary. Low-dose hormones or antidepressants might provide relief.

Addressing Vaginal Discomfort

Vaginal dryness, itching, and pain can impact sexual well-being. Over-the-counter water-based lubricants or moisturisers can help alleviate these symptoms. For persistent issues, consult a doctor for prescription creams or tablets.

Top Gynaecologists Clinic offers state-of-the-art menopause treatment in London to ease your symptoms.

Menopause Treatment London

Perimenopause and menopause can significantly impact a woman's quality of life. Fortunately, various treatments can alleviate these symptoms. However, some treatments carry potential risks and side effects, making them unsuitable for certain women. Your doctor can help you decide which treatment is best for you and explain its benefits and drawbacks.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

HRT replaces oestrogen in your body to ease menopausal symptoms. If you still have a uterus, you’ll usually also need progesterone.

Your gynaecologist can recommend the most suitable HRT for you during a consultation.

It’s quintessential to review any hormone replacement therapy in London annually with your private gynaecologist.

Tablets

Oestrogen or combined oestrogen-progesterone tablets can help with menopausal symptoms like night sweats and hot flushes. However, some women face a slightly increased risk of blood clots, strokes, and breast cancer. Your private gynaecologist can discuss these risks with you before prescribing HRT tablets.

Transdermal Patches and Gels

If tablets aren't your preferred option, consider transdermal patches. These are applied to your skin and usually only need replacing twice every week. Alternatively, you can use an oestrogen gel applied daily to your skin.

My Final Verdict

Perimenopause and menopause can trigger distressing emotional challenges for many women. Your doctor might recommend cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or antidepressants as effective treatments for these mental health issues.

Remember, you're not alone. Lean on friends, family, or healthcare professionals for support. Need expert advice? Book a 15 or 30-minute consultation with one of the private gynaecologists in London to discuss menopause symptoms and management options.