The ‘change of life’ or menopause is an important milestone for women. However, this time of life can be associated with a number of health problems. Some women experience significant symptoms and there is much that can be done to assist you to feel more comfortable, including hormone therapy and lifestyle management options.
Menopause means a stop in the menstrual period cycle. You may only know that this has happened when you have not had a period for 12 months. Menopause occurs when the ova (eggs) in the ovary have all been released and the estrogen level in the body decreases.
Many women go through menopause with little change in themselves. Other women experience symptoms in the few years before the last menstrual period or after this. The commonest symptoms are hot flushes, night sweats, disturbed sleep, mood changes and muscle and joint aches. These symptoms may be mild and easily tolerated for many women; while a small proportion of women have symptoms that need help in the form of estrogen replacement therapy.
For all women, it is a time of life for a review of your health. Several health issues are more common after menopause, so a health appraisal, investigations where appropriate, and a discussion about how to improve your health in the long term is important.
Dr McLaren and her team offer a comprehensive health review and discussion and can make a management plan with you to maintain and improve your health now and in the future to optimise your health as you age.
