1 Exploring the menopause

In this section you’ll continue to think about what the menopause is, including typical symptoms and possible treatments.

Activity 2 What is the menopause?

Allow 20 minutes

Watch this animation that introduces the menopause.

Video 2 Introduction to the menopause
Transcript (opens in new window)

Then answer these questions:

  1. What are the two main hormones involved in the menopause?
  2. When does the menopause typically start?
  3. Why may women experience symptoms before their menopause starts?
  4. What are the most common symptoms of the menopause?
  5. What three things can be done to treat the menopause?
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Discussion

  1. Oestrogen and progesterone are the main hormones, although as you will see later there are other hormones involved.
  2. The menopause is diagnosed once a woman has not had a period for 12 months.
  3. This is because in the few years before the menopause they may be in perimenopause where they start to experience menopausal-type symptoms.
  4. The most common symptoms in early menopause are hot flushes, night sweats, mood changes, disturbed sleep, anxiety, irritability, and brain fog. Other symptoms include vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex.
  5. Types of treatment are replacement of oestrogen via Hormone Replacement Therapy, alternative therapies, and exercise.

OpenLearn - Talking about the menopause: symptoms, support and the role of exercise
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