Life is full of surprises, but few can catch you off guard like menopause. One day, you’re going about your routine, and the next, boom! Hot flushes, brain fog, and suddenly, you feel like you’re in your own tropical heatwave.
Whether you’re entering perimenopause, already in menopause, or just preparing for what’s ahead, we’re here with a guide to help you every step of the way.
Perimenopause: The Lead-Up to Menopause
Before full menopause sets in, there’s perimenopause. During this phase, hormone levels start to fluctuate, which can feel a bit like being on a roller coaster without a seatbelt. Perimenopause typically begins in your 40s, though it can start earlier, and lasts an average of 7-8 years.
Common symptoms include:
- Irregular periods, hot flushes, night sweats
- Mood swings, sleep disturbances, brain fog
- Weight gain, lower libido, fatigue, and vaginal dryness
Less common symptoms include:
- Itchy skin, muscle and joint pain, headaches
Menopause: The Transition
Menopause is officially marked when you’ve gone 12 consecutive months without a period. The average age for this is around 51, but it can occur anytime between 45 and 58. If you’re under 45 and have been without a period for 12 months, it’s important to consult your GP for an assessment.
Many symptoms from perimenopause often persist, but you may also experience additional changes, such as:
- Hair thinning (all over, or from the crown or sides)
- Loss of bone density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis
- Elevated cholesterol levels, raising the risk of heart attack and stroke
- Recurrent urinary infections or symptoms of incontinence
Treatment Options: Non-Hormonal and Hormonal Solutions
Here’s some good news—you don’t have to tough it out alone. There are many treatment options available today to help manage symptoms. Let’s start with non-hormonal options.
Non-Hormonal Treatments:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT can help alleviate menopause-related anxiety and mood swings by helping you reframe negative thoughts, almost like giving your brain a fresh start.
- Vaginal Moisturisers: Over-the-counter vaginal moisturisers can relieve dryness, with each application typically lasting 2-3 days.
- Non-Hormonal Medications: There are a range of non-hormonal treatments available. One exciting new medication is Veoza, which has shown improvements in hot flushes and sleep disturbances within just a week. Speak to one of our doctors at Sage Medical to determine the most suitable treatment for your symptoms.
Hormonal Treatments:
For some women, Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT) can be transformative. By replacing the hormones your body is producing less of, MHT can improve many menopause-related symptoms.
MHT options include:
- Oestrogen-Only HRT: For women who’ve had a hysterectomy, oestrogen-only therapy can help manage hot flushes and prevent bone loss. It can be taken orally, topically, or vaginally.
- Combined HRT: For those who still have their uterus, a combination of oestrogen and progesterone is generally recommended to reduce the risk of uterine cancer.
- Pharmacy-Compounded Hormones (Bioidentical Hormones): We do not recommend pharmacy-compounded hormone therapy, as these treatments are not regulated and lack comprehensive research regarding their safety and effectiveness.
The Takeaway
Menopause may be a natural part of life, but you don’t have to suffer through it! If you find yourself waking up drenched in sweat or forgetting why you entered a room, remember—you’re not alone. There are treatments available to help you regain control.
For a personalised assessment, book a 30-minute perimenopause or menopause consultation with one of our experienced doctors at Sage Medical West Footscray. We’re here to help you through this transition with care and support.
