Menopause is when your ovaries stop producing eggs and levels of hormones, Oestrogen, Progesterone and Testosterone fall. The clinical definition of menopause is when you have gone twelve consecutive months without a period. Perimenopause is a time of transition directly before that, when hormone levels start to reduce. Your periods may still be regular or can change in nature or frequency.
You may also begin to experience an array of both physical and mental health problems for the first time which can be very alarming and distressing, particularly if you are not aware that these symptoms are due to declining hormones. These symptoms can include......
Anxiety & Panic attacks, Depression, mood swings, tearfulness, irritability, anger/rage, palpitations, night sweats, hot/cold flushes, poor sleep/sleeping too much, exhaustion, headaches, muscle/joint pain, IBS, reflux, tinnitus and, dizziness/light headedness.
There are a total of 34 different symptoms that a women may experience during this transition. The average age of menopause is 51 and perimenopause tends to begin in your early to mid 40s. However, we have supported a number of women beginning this transition in their mid to late 30s.
HRT can be very effective for managing the symptoms of Peri/Menopause. However, not all women can or want to take hormones, therefore Cognitive Behavioural therapy (CBT) can also be a very effective treatment for helping women manage the anxiety/mood symptoms, as well as hot flushes and poor sleep.
Women can really struggle during this transition leaving them feeling very isolated and distressed. Please get in touch if you are struggling.
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