Making sense of menopause

Menopause can be a difficult time, and understanding what’s happening can be helpful in finding ways to relieve symptoms and getting the right treatment.

Here to shed light on exactly what menopause is, and answer commonly-asked questions about it, is leading consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist in London Miss Sameena Kausar.

What is menopause?

Menopause is when your periods stop due to lower hormone levels. This usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55. It can sometimes happen earlier, naturally. There are other causes, such as surgery to remove the ovaries (oophorectomy) or the uterus (hysterectomy), cancer treatments like chemotherapy, or a genetic reason. Sometimes the reason is unknown.

What are the first signs of menopause?

The first sign change in the normal pattern of your periods. For example, they become irregular. Eventually, you'll stop having periods altogether.

What are the different stages of menopause?

Perimenopause is when you have symptoms before your periods have stopped. You reach menopause when you have not had a period for 12 months. Menopause and perimenopause symptoms can have a big impact on your life, including relationships and work. There are things you can do to help with symptoms. There are also medicines that can replace the missing hormones and help relieve your symptoms.

At what age does early menopause occur?

When people younger than 45 years have symptoms, it is called early or premature menopause.

What are the common symptoms of post-menopause?

Common physical symptoms of menopause and perimenopause include:

• hot flushes, when you have sudden feelings of hot or cold in your face, neck and chest which can make you dizzy
• difficulty sleeping, which may be a result of night sweats
• palpitations
• weight gain
• skin changes
• reduced sex drive
• vaginal dryness
• recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Mental fog and mood changes

What health risks are increased post-menopause?

Medical screenings continue to be important as women get older. The risk for heart disease, breast cancer, colon cancer and osteoporosis increase with age.

If you’re looking for expert menopause treatment in London, arrange a consultation with Miss Kausar via her Top Doctors profile.