Menopause

Menopause is defined as the end of a woman’s reproductive life cycle.

It is a natural occurrence signified by the cessation of monthly menstruation for 12 consecutive months, occurring in most women between the ages of 45 and 55. Some women however may experience menopause earlier, some as early as before the age of 40, and some later, into their 60’s.

Causes of Menopause

As a woman approaches menopause the amount of oestrogen and progesterone, the key female hormones, that is being produced by the body changes. The levels of these hormones slowly decrease, resulting in menstrual irregularities that can be characterised by any combination of the following symptoms:

• Shortened intervals between periods
• Shorter, longer or any irregular cycles
• Missed period or spotting between periods
• Heavier or lighter bleeding (Reminder: Please consult your Dr for any frequent and persistent heavy bleeding events)

The time leading up to menopause during which the cycle of menstruation is changing in these ways is referred to as peri-menopause.

Symptoms of Menopause

Common menopausal symptoms include:

• Hot flushes, night sweats
• Headaches or migraines
• Vaginal dryness, urinary incontinence
• Low libido
• Mood swings, irritability, fatigue
• Sleep disruption or insomnia

The duration and severity of symptoms are very unique and personal and will be different for every woman.

It is however strongly advisable for all women to visit their healthcare professional, once they begin to experience any menopausal symptoms, especially if other medical conditions are present.

Treatment of Menopause

Appropriate symptomatic treatment of menopausal symptoms can be provided by seeking advice from your Pharmacy 777 Pharmacist. They will take into consideration your personal health conditions and any medications you are currently taking.

Lifestyle advice that is useful in managing menopausal symptoms include:

• Eating a healthy and nutritious diet, which includes low-fat high calcium dairy products
• Increasing fluid intake
• Quitting smoking 
• Limiting alcohol and caffeine intake
• Exercising regularly

Next Steps

Visit any Pharmacy 777 store and speak with your 777 Pharmacist about your concerns regarding menopause. With answers to a few simple questions they will be able to establish what over-the-counter and complementary options are suitable for you to try.

Your 777 Pharmacist may also perform an in-store medicine review to help establish the best course of action for managing your symptoms, or refer you to your GP if they feel further investigation is necessary.