Talking about the menopause

All women go through the menopause, but often women fail to seek help and report feeling isolated and unsupported.

In Wandsworth, around 29,000 women are aged between 45 and 60 -  that’s almost nine per cent of the population.  

Menopause means levels of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone can fluctuate for several years before eventually becoming so low that periods stop. Perimenopause is the stage from the beginning of menopausal symptoms which can include weight gain, hot flushes, anxiety, sleeplessness and mood swings. 

The average age of the natural menopause in the UK is 51 years, but it can occur much earlier or later. Each  individual’s experience is different and symptoms vary from person to person. Some women may not be aware of what is happening to them, and the mental, physical, and hormonal changes associated with menopause can be unexpected and frightening. Partners and children may not understand or know how to help.  

Menopause Awareness Day aims to show the normality of menopause and allow for a wider conversation about women’s experiences and the impact of this life stage on health, well-being, relationships, and career.  The theme for 2022 is cognition and mood.

The International Menopause Society stresses that memory problems are normal and usually resolve post-menopause, It recommends keeping your heart healthy and minimising stress - tips include:

• Get regular health check-ups
• Watch your weight
• Maintain healthy blood pressure
• Get regular exercise
• Try and get a good night’s sleep
• Stay socially engaged
• Exercise your brain by learning new skills

Cabinet member for health and adult social care Cllr Graeme Henderson said: “Menopause is a completely normal stage of life for women and there should be no stigma in talking about it and seeking support. If you are struggling with your symptoms, talk to your GP and ask for help.” 

Find out more:  

World Menopause Day - International Menopause Society (imsociety.org) 

Menopause matters www.menopausematters.co.uk  

NHS  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/  

Hormone Replacement Therapy  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hormone-replacement-therapy-hrt/  

Point your GP in the direction of the British menopause society www.bms.org.uk  

Some other services you might find useful:   

Sexual Health continues to be important throughout your life:   

https://shswl.nhs.uk/clinic-locations/falcon-road#data  

Find out more about breast screening:  

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-screening-mammogram/how-to-decide-if-you-want-breast-screening/