The menopause affects women in many different ways. For some it begins in their early forties to mid fifties which is the usual age women experience the menopause. It occurs when ovaries stop producing eggs- a physical process but which often involves psychological factors. These can include a loss of purpose in life, feelings of sadness that the productive part of life is over, leading to a sense of depression. Menstruation may also stop suddenly with no change in the cycle. Sometimes the cycle becomes irregular and periods become less heavy and frequent. At other times periods can occur more often or follow the usual cycle but with some periods missing altogether. The average time for the length of the menopause is between two and three years although this can vary. There are cases where women have experienced the menopause in their mid thirties which is relatively rare. Symptoms vary tremendously caused by the lack of oestrogen. This can result in hot flushes, night sweats and a frequent need to pass urine. Some people suffer from extreme mood swings, anxiety and insomnia which can affect the whole family. Stress can exacerbate the symptoms which is why mothers find themselves shouting and screaming at their husbands and children due to mood swings becoming ever more volatile. Another result of the menopause is the loss of bone mass which can cause osteoporosis, manifested in later life by fractures of the wrists, hips and spine. However the outlook isn't all bad. Lots of women feel fitter, more vigorous after the menopause and relish the relief from the inconvenience of the monthly periods. Some women exhibit very few symptoms apart from occasional night sweats. For those women who suffer excessively it is worth considering the benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The use of HRT is still very controversial and some women are totally opposed to its use under any circumstances. Used properly, HRT can provide dramatic relief for women who find symptoms of the menopause almost intolerable. One of HRT's greatest benefits lies in the fact that it reduces the risks associated with osteoporosis such as fractures of brittle bones in postmenopausal women. Hip fractures can be particularly dangerous in older women and whilst not wanting to sound alarmist, can result in disablement and even death. Consequently, HRT can, at times, be termed as life-saving. There are, of course, disadvantages in the use of HRT and these need to be carefully weighed against the advantages. Only after considering all the pros and cons can a woman make an informed decision concerning the use of HRT. Some studies show there is an increased risk of heart disease and strokes connected with HRT whilst other studies claim that HRT reduces these risks. One point not in doubt is that HRT isn't suitable for women with a history, or family history, of breast cancer or cancer of the uterus. Before taking HRT all women need to discuss the matter thoroughly with their doctor and undergo a complete medical examination. Once a doctor has recommended HRT, women should have regular medical check-ups. If a woman notices any unusual symptoms since beginning HRT such as headaches, pains in the back of the leg, dizziness etc. she should inform her doctor immediately. He will then decide whether to continue or stop the therapy. Alternative treatments are available including acupuncture, homoeopathy, aromatherapy and certain herbal medicines. Therefore, if HRT is found to be unsuitable, all is not lost. There are several avenues to be explored in the search for relief from debilitating menopausal symptoms. |
