Conditions
Menopause
The menopause is often called the ‘change of life’ and is not an illness, but a stage in a woman’s life where she stops ovulating and ceases to menstruate. It is preceded by a period known as the peri-menopause, where the symptoms of the menopause start, and the post-menopause where the symptoms cease. It is unusual because it can affect women in many different ways, and some will pass through it with barely any symptoms, whilst others suffer severe and distressing complications that require medical help.
The most common symptoms include hot flushes, which are often red and patchy and night sweats. As a result of both of these, a woman’s sleep may be disturbed and this can lead to irritability and problems with short-term memory and concentration. Another common symptom is vaginal atrophy, more commonly known as vaginal dryness. This manifests itself as an itching and dryness that can make sex very uncomfortable, though this can normally be treated with oestrogen cream and vaginal pessary. Other common symptoms include urinary infections, such as cystitis.
Only around 1 in 10 women will need to seek treatment for menopausal symptoms, and the most commonly prescribed treatment is Hormone Replacement Therapy, or HRT. This replaces the missing oestrogen and can relieve all the symptoms of the menopause. An alternative to this is Tibolone, which is a synthetic steroid that acts in much the same way as HRT.
Comments and Questions
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hi i 47 and the last 6 month i have notice my periods are getting Harvey and i am getting very big blood clot's is this normal or should i see my gp
hi im 21 years old an i do not know what is wrong with me i have not had my period in 5 nearly 6 months and it is really worrying me i did go to my gp but she didnt think it was anything to worry about the should come but that was in march this year and ive still not had them. i just really need some answers i want to have kids and i have been tryin for 2 an a half years for a baby but nothing and now my period aint comming at all anymore and i took preggnance test they have been all negative please someone write back to me thanks
Thank you for visiting our web site and for discussing your problem so openly. If you would like the opportunity to be seen by one of the Embarrassing Bodies Doctors and have your problems assessed and treated by a specialist, then why not apply for the chance to take part in the programme. Please visit the following link and click ‘Apply to be on the show’ where you can fill in an application form: http://www.channel4embarrassingillnesses.com/features/be-on-embarrassing-bodies/
i've been experiencing period pains after my period, they begin a week after my period has ended. this is a regular thing, and i never get period symptoms before/during my periods. is this normal?
i have been on my period now for nearly three week but i have noticed a change in colour in the blood and that it has got lighter in colour i am 46 and was wondering if i was starting my menopause
Thank you Lesley I have been on the phone already to get some of the ETRADIOL VAGINAL TABLETS I hope this will work will let you know how i get on Linda
I'm 50 years old and have recently been having heavy long periods, these have concluded in flooding the bed, sometimes going through to my trousers. My last period lasted for 5 weeks and i went to my GP and they gave me some hormonal tablets the periods stopped for 10 days then restarted and are still heavy. Is this a normal condition for menopause? Or could it be something different?
You may have fibroids - most of us do. This is easy for your doc or clinic to find out with ultrasound. Not so easy to get rid off but there are ways to reduce your bleeding.
Hi i suffer with hot flushes and I can have sweat prouring down my face when I do the most simple tasks i have been to my doctor and they have told me that I am no where near going thru the menopause please can you help me I am 50 and I hate feeling like this thank you
I'm 55 and just had a period for the first time last week for one and half years. What can be causing this?
Thank you for visiting our web site and for discussing your problem so openly. If you would like the opportunity to be seen by one of the Embarrassing Bodies Doctors and have your problems assessed and treated by a specialist, then why not apply for the chance to take part in the programme. Please visit the following link and click ‘Apply to be on the show’ where you can fill in an application form: http://www.channel4embarrassingillnesses.com/features/be-on-embarrassing-bodies/
I'm 49 and having been going through the menopause for the last 5 years I have completely lost my sex drive, I have no interest what so ever, I wake up nearly ever night in a very hot sweat my hair is so wet it like is has just been washed the bed cover are complete soaked through sweating, I am not on hrt because to many people I know have had problems,is anyone suffering the same? what can I do?
have a look at the Menopause Matters website and forum - loads of information and advice and other ladies going through the same thing
I am 39 and been going through this for the last 3 years, I have tried the pill and HRT but only for a matter of weeks as they had too many side effects. I know use Black Cosh from Holland and Barratt and it is helping.
I am 55 years old and had a hysterectomy 15 years ago. i gained lot of weight and have facial hair (mustache)and it is very embarressing.My voice is very horsey and when I am on the phone most times I have been mistaken for a man.What can I take? is there a hormorne I can take to balance my hormones? Please could anyone advice.
Thank you for visiting our web site and for discussing your problem so openly. If you would like the opportunity to be seen by one of the Embarrassing Bodies Doctors and have your problems assessed and treated by a specialist, then why not apply for the chance to take part in the programme. Please visit the following link and click ‘Apply to be on the show’ where you can fill in an application form: http://www.channel4embarrassingillnesses.com/features/be-on-embarrassing-bodies/
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