Another common question I get asked in clinic.
Menopause is the point at which a person has not had a period for 12 months and marks the end of our reproductive years as our ovaries have no more eggs to release.
After the point of menopause we are considered to be “post-menopausal”. During this time oestrogen and testosterone levels are persistently low and need replacing to maintain well-being and prevent future health problems such as heart disease, osteoporosis, sexual dysfunction and mental health/cognitive problems. Women with a womb will also require progesterone to balance symptoms and protect the lining of the womb from becoming too thick.
If you are still having periods you may be perimenopausal. “Peri” means “around” and the perimenopause is an ill-defined period of time that precedes the point of menopause. This can be obscured when we have had medical treatment, surgical treatments or use certain contraception that mean we don’t have a regular cycle.
Symptoms can start at any age, but most commonly in our early 40s. They can be hugely varied, vague in onset and can be similar to other conditions such as thyroid deficiency, nutritional deficiencies, inflammatory, autoimmune or primary organ diseases. This is why it is important to speak to a doctor to explore symptoms and confirm a diagnosis and treatment plan.
I will discuss symptoms in more detail over the next few weeks.
If you are considering a private specialist consultation click the link in my bio for live availability and direct booking via my website. 👆🏻
#menopause #perimenopause #hormonehealth #hormoneimbalance #hrt #hormonereplacement #menopausematters #menopausehelp
And breathe 🧘🏼
This week you will find me mainly here.
Doing a bit of this.
This is one of the questions I am asked most frequently by patients, friends and family.
My answer: If you think your symptoms could be due to your hormones you are probably right.
Trust your instincts and consider booking an appointment with a doctor to explore your concerns in more detail.
👆🏻If you are looking for a convenient private appointment click the link In my bio for live availability and direct booking via my website.