Menopause is a natural phase of a woman’s life that marks the end of her reproductive years. It can also happen if your uterus or ovaries are removed, or due to cancer treatment. Menopause means your ovulation and periods stop. If you haven’t had a period for 12 months, it is likely you’ve reached menopause. In Australia, the average age of menopause is 51 years, but it is normal to enter menopause between 45 and 55 years. For some women it can happen earlier or later.
Perimenopause is the time leading up to your final period. On average, this lasts for 4-6 years. During this time, the number of eggs released by your ovaries reduce, hormone levels fluctuate, and your menstrual cycle is affected. Your periods may become shorter or longer, lighter or heavier, more painful, or irregular.
Changes in your hormone levels (estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone) result in a range of physical and emotional symptoms, commonly:
Menopause can also affect your bone health and cardiovascular health. The decline in estrogen levels put women at an increased risk of bone loss, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease. Your GP can organise regular bone health checks based on your medical history and risk factors for osteoporosis. Regular heart checks in the form of blood pressure measurements and blood tests are also recommended.
Menopause is a unique journey for every woman. Some women can manage their symptoms with lifestyle modifications alone, while others may choose to use medications or therapies if their symptoms affect their quality of life. Your GP will consider your unique experience and determine options suitable to you so you can make an informed decision.
It is important to look after yourself during menopause and to make healthy lifestyle choices to improve the physical and emotional symptoms of menopause.
HRT is the most common form of prescribed treatment for menopausal symptoms. It helps to replace hormones that decrease during menopause. Estrogen is the main hormone prescribed to relieve menopausal symptoms. For women who have not had their uterus surgically removed (a hysterectomy), a combination of estrogen and progesterone is used.
HRT comes in various forms, such as pills, patches, gels, creams, or an intrauterine device (IUD). Speak to your GP about the risks and benefits of this therapy, alternatives, and the right combination of doses and methods that work best for you.
If you are unable to or prefer not to use hormone-based treatments, other prescription medications and over-the-counter options are available to manage your menopausal symptoms. Your GP can discuss these with you to determine the best option for you.
Your GP can provide you with a referral to allied health professionals such as a psychologist if needed.
If you are worried about irregular periods, heavy bleeding, bleeding after menopause, or your menopausal symptoms are interfering with your day-to-day activities, talk to your GP.
