Insights into menopause: Understanding, managing, and thriving through change

In her latest online article, Dr Theodora Kalentzi gives us her insights into menopause. She talks about what it is, how it’s diagnosed, symptoms, if some women are at risk of suffering adverse health effects while going through menopause, how to treat it effectively and what lifestyle changes you can make.

What is menopause?

Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycle (known as periods).

When is menopause typically diagnosed?

It is diagnosed after 12 months of not having menstrual cycles (periods). It usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 59 years but can happen earlier than that. If it occurs before the age of 45 it is known as early menopause and below the age of 40 it is diagnosed as premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), which requires specialist attention.

What are the main associated symptoms?

The symptoms of menopause can vary from person to person. Common symptoms include irregular periods, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, mood changes, anxiety, brain fog, weight gain and bladder symptoms.

Will I be at risk of suffering adverse health effects while suffering from menopause?

Unfortunately, women experiencing menopause are exposed to and are at risk of suffering from other conditions at the same time or after menopause. The hormonal changes that occur during menopause can increase the risk of developing health conditions in the long term such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease including heart attacks and strokes.

How is menopause treated most effectively?

There are several treatment options available for women experiencing menopause symptoms. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is an effective treatment that can help alleviate symptoms such as hot flashes and reduce the risk of developing long term conditions such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. However, HRT may not be suitable for everyone and may increase the risk of health conditions such as breast cancer. Other treatment options include non-hormonal medications such as antidepressants, oxybutynin and gabapentin.

What lifestyle changes should I make if I am experiencing menopause?

In addition to medical treatments, lifestyle changes can also help alleviate menopause symptoms. These include regular exercise, a healthy diet that is rich in calcium and vitamin D, stress reduction techniques including yoga and meditation, and avoiding triggers such as alcohol and caffeine.

Dr Theodora Kalentzi is a distinguished menopause specialist with over 20 years of experience. You can schedule an appointment with Dr Kalentzi on her Top Doctors profile.