Dr Eileen Sables says if you’re struggling with menopause symptoms that are affecting your quality of life, don’t suffer in silence. See your doctor. Photo supplied
By Dr Eileen Sables, GP at Tend Pakuranga
Last month it was Tend Women’s Health Week and one of the hot topics was menopause – a topic that’s been brushed under the carpet for far too long.
Unlike women at the turn of the century, who often didn’t live long enough to spend much time in menopause, we’re now living more than half our lives beyond this transition.
That’s wonderful, but it means understanding what’s happening to our bodies is more important than ever.
Menopause is when your periods cease – typically around age 51 – but here’s what many women don’t realise: symptoms can start well before in what’s called perimenopause, the lead-up period that often begins in your 40s.
There are many symptoms to watch for. The most common are those dreaded flushes and sweats, but you might also experience headaches, joint pains, irritability and teariness.
One question I’m asked most often is “how long does it last?”
Honestly, that’s like asking how long a piece of string is. On average, you’re looking at about two to four years, but I’ve spoken to women who’ve had symptoms for much longer.
The good news is symptoms can be alleviated by replacing hormones you lose during this transition.
Your ovaries stop producing oestrogen and progesterone, so giving them back actually improves symptoms significantly.
If you’re struggling with symptoms that are affecting your quality of life, don’t suffer in silence.
See your doctor – there are plenty of excellent treatment options available to help you through this journey.