Menopause is a natural process where a woman's periods stop, and she can no longer become pregnant. While the menopause typically occurs in your 40s and 50s, some women might experience perimenopause in the years preceding this, which can also cause a range of symptoms.
While the average age of menopause is 51 in the UK, the Local Government Association reports that 1 in 100 women under 40 also go through the process (called premature menopause).
Navigating menopausal symptoms can be challenging, but there are numerous treatments available to support your body and mind through prolonged changes. At Pharmacy Online, we offer a range of effective treatments that help you confidently approach each day.
What is menopause?
As women age, they experience numerous physiological changes, with menopause probably being the most significant. Hormonal levels change, and oestrogen levels begin to decrease, which impacts the frequency and length of the menstrual cycle.
Oestrogen is central to reproductivity, and high levels begin in puberty, triggering the menstrual cycle. This continues for years until levels gradually decrease and the periods cease altogether.
Menopause is when a woman's periods stop, and she can no longer get pregnant naturally. Periods tend to get less frequent over a few months or years and then stop altogether. This usually occurs between women aged between 45 and 55.
What is perimenopause?
Perimenopause is often regarded as a precursor to menopause, as it signifies changes that are preparing your body for when it stops releasing eggs. Surprisingly, perimenopause can last between eight and ten years, with some women experiencing it in their 30s.
During this stage, you might notice a range of symptoms, and you're officially considered in menopause when you haven't had a period for 12 months.
The causes of menopause
For most people, menopause is a natural process of ageing, and it occurs due to eggs becoming more resistant to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). When this happens, the ovaries decrease their oestrogen production, resulting in menstrual cycles stopping.
However, others might experience menopause at a younger age. According to research, premature menopause - also known as premature ovarian insufficiency - impacts around 1% of women under 40 and can occur before for a range of reasons.
Surgical menopause
Some women with severe endometriosis or cancer have surgery to remove the ovaries, which results in early menopausal symptoms, as the ovaries no longer exist. While natural menopause is a drawn-out process, surgical menopause happens immediately and can cause a range of symptoms.
Receiving treatment for cancer
Some cancer treatments can cause early menopause, but it depends on the person's reaction to them. Both radiotherapy and chemotherapy have links to inducing menopausal symptoms, with older women being more likely to experience it.
The Annals of Oncology reports that 31% of women receiving treatment for breast cancer will experience induced menopause, and this number increases to 53% with women aged between 40 and 50.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help to reduce menopause symptoms. Speak to a member of our team to find the most suitable treatment option.
Lifestyle and genetic factors
Smokers or frequent users of tobacco products might have heightened risks of early menopause, while people who started their periods before 11 can also experience menopausal symptoms. If family members have also experienced it, you might have slightly higher chances.
Medical conditions
Certain medical conditions also have links to early menopause, including:
Menopause symptoms
There are numerous symptoms associated with menopause, and people in the early stages can also experience them. Each person is different; some deal with minor symptoms, while others might have worse experiences.
Irregular periods
Irregular periods can be less frequent, or you might miss menstrual cycles altogether. While most people have lighter periods, some might notice theirs get heavier, which is also a sign of significant changes occurring in the body.
Hot flashes and night sweats
Also known as vasomotor symptoms, hot flashes can be uncomfortable as they cause the skin to become red and increase your heartbeat. Most women experience them, and some will also deal with frequent night sweats, which can disrupt your sleep cycle.
Some people might have one or two vasomotor symptoms throughout their menopausal symptoms, while others could deal with night sweats and hot flashes regularly.
Vaginal dryness & decreased libido
Hormonal changes can cause a variety of symptoms, and vaginal discomfort is one of the most common. Women might find sexual intercourse too uncomfortable, which impacts their libido and relationships. Luckily, there are treatments available, including personal lubricants.
The numerous emotions experienced during menopause can also cause a decrease in libido, but some women find their sex drive increases.
Unwelcome body changes
Staying active in menopause is essential, as weight gain is common. In most cases, women might notice they have more fat around the waist area and struggle to build muscle. Dry skin patches and thinning hair can also occur, but keeping active can reduce the side effects.
The alterations in hormones can also cause insomnia, leading to depression and excess stress.
Mood changes
Hormones play a huge role in a woman's mental health, and menopause can lead to extreme mood swings, which result in anxiety and excess stress. As oestrogen levels fluctuate, some women might find they experience anger or irritability, making it hard to enjoy life.
People with a history of depression and anxiety can experience the symptoms worse and often need support from their GP.
Bladder issues
Menopausal women often experience needing to urinate more frequently, while others can have other urinary symptoms, including infections, an urgent need to use the bathroom and a loss of control when exercising, coughing or during certain activities.
Cognitive function
As hormones regulate numerous mental and physiological functions, it's common to experience cognitive impairment during the process.
Forgetting appointments or where you put things happens regularly, but some people who find they frequently experience brain fog might see a GP for support.
Diagnosing menopause
In most cases, menopause is diagnosed when a woman hasn't had a period for 12 months, and there are no underlying causes. However, it's not as easy to diagnose menopause when women are younger than the general age of onset, and doctors might perform tests.
A blood test can highlight your hormone levels and enable your GP to rule out other conditions, such as thyroid issues and diabetes.
Unfortunately, hormone levels naturally fluctuate, and blood tests aren't always reliable, so your doctor will look at numerous factors before deciding whether you're experiencing perimenopause or your periods are likely to stop soon.
Natural remedies and lifestyle changes for treating menopausal symptoms
While there are therapies and medical treatment options available for menopausal women, you can also reduce the symptoms and navigate the transition easier by using natural remedies and making some vital lifestyle changes.
Exercising regularly
Getting regular exercise can give you a healthy dose of happy hormones and also combat the effects of menopause. Also, menopause means you have a higher risk of developing osteoporosis, but regular walks or Pilates can promote joint health and boost your mood.
Studies show that Pilates can encourage better sleep and enhance your metabolism, making it a great way to promote your health and remain active after menopause (PubMed).
Switch up your diet
We all know that eating healthily is vital to weight loss and protecting our bodies against numerous conditions. However, as menopausal symptoms gradually worsen, it's essential to give yourself the right foods that will provide nourishment while also helping your body regulate its hormones.
Avoiding refined sugars and highly processed foods can protect your joints and enhance bone density, with research showing that women aged 50-59 with diets high in refined sugars have poorer bone quality (EJCN).
The following foods can reduce hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms:
- Phytoestrogens: Flax seeds, Tempeh, Soybeans, Sesame seeds, Beans.
- Fruits: All fruits are good for menopause symptoms.
- Vegetables: Consume vegetables, including green leafy foods.
- Calcium: Dairy products, including yoghurt, cheese and milk for bone health.
- Vitamin D: Oily fish and eggs contain Vitamin D.
Maintain a healthy weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is important for your mind and body to function correctly. Menopause is known to cause weight gain and muscle loss, but midlife women can boost their overall health by ensuring they stay within the healthy weight BMI criteria.
Research shows that women who lose weight can reduce hot flushes and night sweats (NCBI). Also, if you're experiencing decreased sexual desire, weight loss can boost your confidence, enabling you to enjoy closer relationships.
However, skipping meals could increase weight gain, so remember to eat regularly and swap processed foods for healthier alternatives.
Supplementation
Supplements are often controversial, with some professionals believing they don't serve a purpose. However, many women navigating menopause find that herbal remedies can work alongside other menopause treatments to reduce their symptoms.
Popular natural remedies include:
- Red Clover: Can potentially treat hot flashes.
- Phytoestrogens: Supplements are available if you don't consume enough foods rich in phytoestrogens.
- Black Cohosh: Some studies highlight black cohosh as an alternative treatment for hot flushes, but there's no long-term research.
- Evening Primrose Oil: This can promote better sleep and reduce the frequency of night sweats.
Probiotics are also popular menopause supplements as they promote gut health and balance the body's bacteria.
Alternative therapies
Some alternative therapies can help with reducing menopausal symptoms and promoting relaxation. For example, some studies show that acupuncture can offer holistic support and help women destress, reducing the frequency and severity of mood swings (BMJ).
Massages can also boost endorphin production, enhancing flexibility and promoting joint health. Yoga and mindfulness encourage relaxation, so there are many things to explore when dealing with troublesome symptoms.
Talking therapy
Menopause can be a difficult time for women, as it signifies a change within their bodies and age. Speaking to a counsellor who specialises in women's health can help you deal with the negative emotions surrounding menopause and learn valuable coping techniques.
CBT is popular for changing thought patterns and approaching symptoms differently, while some couples also benefit from marriage counselling.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
While dietary supplements and lifestyle changes can be beneficial, a complementary and integrative health approach is best for treating menopause. There are various medicines available that can boost your hormone production and decrease the symptoms.
Menopausal hormone therapy is available in the form of oestrogen or combined therapies. Your chosen approach depends on your medical history and which treatment options will suit your needs.
Oestrogen/Estrogen therapy
There are a variety of estrogen therapies that treat menopausal symptoms available, making it one of the more accessible options. Some women prefer pills, while others might appreciate a patch or ring. Your doctor might also prescribe oestrogen treatment in lower doses if you're at risk of osteoporosis.
Oestrogen Pills
Oestrogen tablets are easy to take and offer convenience, making them an easy way to regulate your hormones. Pills, including Elleste Solo, are a once-daily treatment that can help postmenopausal women produce oestrogen and reduce their symptoms.
Vaginal Estrogen
Vaginal dryness is a common menopause symptom, and it can cause ongoing discomfort. Using vaginal oestrogen creams can relieve itching and burning pains, while some women prefer the vaginal ring, which is easier to use.
Oestrogen patches
Patches are highly popular because they last between a few days and a week, meaning they're easier to manage. Popular patches include Estradot, which is a powerful treatment for relieving menopausal symptoms.
Combination menopausal hormone therapy
Combination therapy can be beneficial for women who still have uteruses, as progesterone (synthetically known as progestin) can decrease the risks of endometrial cancers. Progesterone is a popular form of birth control, but it can also help you with menopause symptoms.
IUD (Intrauterine Devices)
While IUDs are mainly used as regulators for heavy periods and contraception, some doctors use them off-label when supporting menopausal women. They can help with perimenopause symptoms, but most women choose other treatments as they're more accessible.
Oral Progestins
Progestin pills can come in both natural and synthetic forms, with Provera, Norethindrone and Norgestrel being the most popular. The pills can reduce symptoms, including night sweats and insomnia, while also reducing your risks of cervical and uterine cancers.
Combined patches
Combined patches contain progesterone and oestrogen treatment, offering the positive effects of both hormones and less danger. Popular options include Evorel Sequi, which you'll change twice a week.
Bioidentical hormones
Bioidentical treatments are natural hormones, often made from plants. They duplicate the hormones found in the human body are controversial topics, as there's no research to confirm they're safer or more effective than traditional HRT
As these treatments aren't regulated in the UK, you can't get them through the NHS. However, visiting a menopause specialist can give you more options, but most professionals suggest taking HRT first before exploring natural hormones.
Buy Hormone Replacement Therapy from Pharmacy Online
Whether you're exploring alternative treatments or complementary therapy, HRT is central to navigating the menopausal transition with ease. At Pharmacy Online, we offer a range of specialist treatments that combat the common symptoms of menopause and help you continue with daily life.
Whether you're looking for oestrogen pills or combined hormone replacement therapy, our fully registered pharmacy delivers straight to your door.