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?
Timing: Allow 20 minutes
Watch this animation that introduces the menopause.
Download this video clip.Video player: Video 2 Introduction to the menopause
Transcript: Video 2 Introduction to the menopause
SPEAKER 1
When does the menopause happen?
SPEAKER 2
The menopause occurs typically around 51 years of age and is diagnosed when a woman has not had a period for 12 months. During the menopause, the reduction in women's hormone levels can produce life-changing symptoms and impact on how they feel, think, and behave.
However, in the preceding years, they may have experienced changes to the nature of their periods and experienced some menopausal-type symptoms. This stage is referred to as the perimenopause and typically starts at age 47 but can occur as early as 10 years before.
Menopausal symptoms may also be experienced by trans men and nonbinary people. So despite affecting 51% of the population, there is still a general lack of awareness about it. The menopause is being talked about more widely. But it can still feel like a taboo subject.
SPEAKER 1
Why does the menopause happen?
SPEAKER 2
The menopause happens due to levels of estrogen and progesterone decreasing as women age. These are two of the primary hormones behind the menstrual cycle. The levels of estrogen will change across a woman's life, with levels typically peaking around age 35, before declining. Estrogen is described as the happy hormone because it regulates serotonin, which is a feel-good chemical as it improves mood and increases energy.
SPEAKER 1
What are the symptoms?
SPEAKER 2
With estrogen receptors all over the body, its decline causes many symptoms, such as affecting cognitive function through producing brain fog, forgetfulness, mood swings, and irritability. In addition to the signature hot flushes and night sweats, women also experience dry or itchy skin, decreased libido, vaginal dryness, and discomfort during sex, as well as higher rates of osteoporosis and heart disease.
Lastly, the accompanying fall in progesterone can cause anxiety and sleep disruptions. Many women are prescribed Hormone Replacement Therapy. But HRT is not without its own side effects, such as producing vaginal bleeding, tender breasts, weight gain, and bloating. There are plenty of alternative treatments, such as taking supplements, including red clover, St. John's wort, or evening primrose.
SPEAKER 1
What can help during the menopause?
SPEAKER 2
Exercise such as yoga, walking, and cycling would bring significant benefits, with strength or resistance training being especially useful, protecting the bones, muscle mass, lung and heart function, whilst working to reduce body fat. While the menopause is a condition that women experience, the people they live, work, and socialize with, including men, are often affected. Therefore, we need to move away from thinking of it as a women's problem. That is something only supported by other women and make it into a person problem.
Understanding the changes and impact of the menopause will help women, including those people around them. Awareness and more consideration will help people to navigate this difficult time and promote a safe, comfortable space for anyone to open up about their experiences without fear and shame.
There are steps that will support people impacted by the menopause in the home and the workplace. Number one, raise awareness. By raising your own awareness about typical symptoms, you can identify when other people may be struggling. Number two, remove the stigma. Create an environment where the menopause is visible and discussed openly. And eliminate unhelpful behaviors, such as jokes or bantering about symptoms. Number three, make adjustments. Simple adjustments such as providing fans, improving ventilation, better access to water and toilet facilities can really help.
Video 2 Introduction to the menopause
Interactive feature not available in single page view (see it in standard view).
Then answer these questions:
- What are the two main hormones involved in the menopause?
- When does the menopause typically start?
- Why may women experience symptoms before their menopause starts?
- What are the most common symptoms of the menopause?
- What three things can be done to treat the menopause?
Interactive feature not available in single page view (see it in standard view).
Discussion
- Oestrogen and progesterone are the main hormones, although as you will see later there are other hormones involved.
- The menopause is diagnosed once a woman has not had a period for 12 months.
- This is because in the few years before the menopause they may be in perimenopause where they start to experience menopausal-type symptoms.
- 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.
- Types of treatment are replacement of oestrogen via Hormone Replacement Therapy, alternative therapies, and exercise.