Supporting you on your menopause journey

An estimated 13 million people in the UK are currently perimenopausal or menopausal, which equates to around one third of the female population. That’s a huge proportion of the country. The peri and menopausal years can be difficult for many women – it’s a time of big changes, therefore it is essential that women receive the right care and support – both physically and mentally. The health experts at YourGP are here to help, wherever you are in your menopause journey. Here’s how…

What is the menopause?

The menopause is a natural part of ageing. The average age for women in the UK to go through the menopause is 51, but everyone is different and anytime from age 45 to 55 is normal. What’s more, the time leading up to menopause, known as the perimenopause, can start as early as the late 20s or as late as the late 40s.

During menopause, the ovaries produce less oestrogen, they no longer release an egg each month, periods stop, and the woman is unable to get pregnant naturally.

What are the most common symptoms of the menopause?

Menopausal symptoms can be wide-ranging – affecting the individual both physiologically and psychologically. The symptoms can begin months or even years before periods stop and can continue for several years after the final period. Each menopausal woman is different but typical symptoms can include:

• Hot flushes
• Night sweats
• Headaches
• Joint pain
• Irregular periods
• Vaginal dryness
• Disrupted sleep
• Memory lapses
• Difficulty concentrating
• Anxiety

Making the menopause more manageable

For many women, the menopause can be made much more manageable by adopting some simple lifestyle changes:

• Eat a balanced diet: Be sure to include lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains and unsaturated fats in your everyday diet. It is also important to include plenty of calcium-rich foods like milk and yoghurt to keep bones healthy.
• Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity exercise per week to keep the heart healthy and to maintain bone strength.
• Get a good night’s sleep: Stick to a regular routine, going to bed and getting up at the same time every day, and aim for around 8 hours of sleep. A lack of sleep can often exacerbate symptoms.
• Cut down or cut out alcohol: Alcohol can exacerbate many symptoms of menopause, so stick to the government recommended limit of no more than 14 units per week or cut it out completely.

If despite following these suggestions the symptoms of menopause are continuing to have an impact on your everyday life, speak to a medical professional about your options.

One such option is hormone replacement therapy (HRT) which effectively replaces hormones like oestrogen and progesterone which the body produces less of during menopause. As well as helping to alleviate many of the symptoms of the menopause, it can also help to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and other health problems such as cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Find a treatment that’s right for you

Here at YourGP, our doctors take a holistic approach to menopause healthcare and can provide all the care, understanding and support you need during what can be a very challenging period of your life. Your initial assessment can last up to 45 minutes, giving you ample time to discuss your symptoms without feeling rushed.

Book your appointment today using our simple online booking system. Or you can email reception@your.gp, or call us on 0131 381 0322 and we’ll be happy to arrange an appointment at a time that suits you. We can then work with you to formulate a tailor-made plan with the aim to make your menopause journey a much more positive experience.