Your guide to Menopause
The vast majority of women start menopause with a wait and see attitude. While this is a physiological process it is essential that you make yourself aware of what this process means. The consequence of menopause can have an impact on your entire quality of life. A good knowledge of the process based on medical facts will empower you to make the right decisions.
Use this time of your life to stop and take stock of your overall health. Look at the bigger picture, beyond the initial and transient ‘hot flushes’ stage.
Symptoms vary from woman to woman. We are all individuals with different bodies and will therefore have different physiological issues. An individual assessment is essential to assess how the menopause is affecting you. Comparing notes with other women is not always helpful.
There are changes in your body that will not give you any immediate symptoms and you will not be aware of them for some time. Understanding them is essential to help you make the right decision for treatment as they could be more important for you then the classical symptoms.
Consider the scientific evidence behind what is being offered to you by way of menopause treatment. Menopause treatments have, unfortunately, become commercialized in recent years. Ask yourself:
- Who is giving me this advice?
- What are their qualifications and experience?
- What is their commercial motivation?
- Is the treatment being offered helpful for anything specific?
If in doubt you should seek a second opinion. Remember, just because a treatment is good and natural it does not mean is for you.
Podcasts
1. Understanding menopause
This covers topics such as what is menopause, what is perimenopause & how can you recognise if you are menopausal. We go through the key symptoms and how you can manage them. We talk through some of the myths that exist about menopause.
2. HRT
We chat about Hormone Replacement Therapy. This is basically replacing the hormones in your body that it used to produce but doesn’t any more. We discuss the different types of HRT, are there any risks, how do you take it and lots more.
3. Menopause and your long term health
We outline the long term consequences of menopause and how the hormonal changes your body is going through can have implications far beyond those that you might expect.
4. Vaginal problems in menopause
Vaginal atrophy is very common. Despite the fact that 70% of women have symptoms, most women only learn about it when it happens to them. Many women experience discomfort and pain during intercourse and others have constant burning and irritation.
5. Urinary incontinence
Dr Suzanne O’Sullivan and Dr Rita Galimberti discuss bladder problems, treatment options and some of the myths that surround bladder issues. We discuss why this is not something that you have to accept as there are treatment options available. Dr Suzanne O’Sullivan is a gynaecologist & obstetrician and a recognised expert in the field of urogynaecology.