Menopause and Perimenopause
Menopause and perimenopause are two stages in a women’s life that mark the end of reproductive capacities.
During these phases, women experience various physical, emotional and hormonal changes, which can influence their overall well-being. At Narangba Station Medical Centre, we provide quality management options, practicing empathy and compassion, to better menopausal and perimenopausal women’s quality of life.
Menopause
Menopause is a natural biological process that occurs in women as they age, typically beginning between the ages of 45 and 55. Here, menstrual periods cease, indicating the end of a woman's reproductive capacity.
Menopause is caused by a gradual decline in the production of estrogen and progesterone hormones by the ovaries. This hormonal change leads to a wide range of symptoms, which can vary in intensity and duration among women.
Different women experience different symptoms; however, symptoms may include the following:
- Irregular periods
- Hot flashes
- Nigh sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Vaginal itchiness
- Lighter or heavier periods
- Sleep disturbances
- Hair loss
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Changes in sexual desire
- Fatigue
- Breast pain
- Joint pain
- Lack of energy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory lapses
- Brain fog
- Forgetfulness
- Weight gain
- Bone loss
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Urinary incontinence
Although menopause is a natural process, some women experience symptoms that interfere with their daily life and cause discomfort. Some women also experience vaginal bleeding after menopause, which must be assessed and treated.
If you are experiencing issues surrounding menopause, visit Narangba Station Medical Centre for support. There are many menopause management options that a general practitioner may refer you to, depending on your symptoms and medical history, including:
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): HRT may be implemented to keep your hormone levels stable and relieve symptoms, and this can be prescribed in tablets, patches, gels, or other medication forms.
- Oral contraceptive pill: Estrogen and progesterone may also be consumed to reduce symptoms associated with menopause via the oral contraceptive pill, which can be prescribed by a doctor at Narangba Station Medical Centre.
- Intrauterine devices (IUDs): Menopause symptoms and vaginal bleeding can be reduced through IUDs, which regularly release hormones over an extended period. These devices can be inserted by general practitioners.
- Lifestyle changes: Doctors may also recommend tailored lifestyle changes, such as herbal supplements or specific exercise plans (including pelvic floor exercise), to target menopause symptoms.
- MonaLisa Touch: This non-surgical, minimally invasive laser treatment can alleviate symptoms including vaginal dryness, itching, painful intercourse, and urinary incontinence.
Treatment options may differ if you have a long-term medical condition, including heart disease and osteoporosis. It is important to discuss any conditions with your doctor when seeking menopause management.
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Perimenopause
Perimenopause is the transition phase preceding menopause, which typically begins several years before menopause, often between the ages of 40 and 44.
This phase is characterised by fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone production as the number of viable eggs in their ovaries decreases, and this leads to changes in menstrual patterns.
Perimenopause is a unique experience for each woman. The duration and severity of symptoms can vary, but may include the following:
- Irregular periods
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Mood swings
- Vaginal dryness
- Vaginal itching
- Discomfort during intercourse
- Changes in sexual desire
- Fatigue
- Memory difficulties
- Concentration difficulties
- Brain fog
- Weight gain
- Headaches
- Joint pain
- Breast tenderness
- Bloating
- Decreased fertility
- Bone loss
- Increased cholesterol levels
- Hair loss
- Forgetfulness
- Dry skin
- Frequent urination
- Heartbeat changes
See a doctor at Narangba Station Medical Centre if your perimenopause symptoms are interfering with your daily life. There are a range of management options which may be suggested by a general practitioner to reduce symptoms and better your quality of life, including:
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): Estrogen or a combination of estrogen and progesterone may be consumed through tablets, gels, patches or creams to reduce your perimenopause symptoms.
- Prescription vaginal creams: Vaginal dryness and painful sexual intercourse can be managed through the application of prescribed creams.
- MonaLisa Touch: Vaginal dryness, itching, urinary incontinence and painful intercourse can be managed through this non-surgical, minimally invasive laser treatment.
- Healthy eating: Perimenopause symptoms may be managed with a targeted diet, including whole grains, fresh vegetables, lean meats in small portions, calcium-rich nutrients, low-gi foods, and healthy fats. Processed and fatty foods should be reduced.
- Exercise: Incorporate 40 minutes of exercise into your daily life, including walking, vigorous aerobic exercise, weight training, and team sports. Pelvic floor exercises may also be implemented to reduce urinary symptoms.
- Self-care: Better your mental well-being through meditation, stress management strategies, relaxation, and sleep hygiene.
If you have any concerns about menopause and perimenopause symptoms, visit a general practitioner at Narangba Station Medical Centre for assessment and discussion of management options.
Call us or book your appointment online
Bookings can be made online using our easy to use booking platform. If you prefer to speak with our team, you can call us on 07 3521 4333.
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