Menopause Dr Rob Hicks The menopause is the time of a woman's last period and is sometimes called the 'change of life'. It usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. When it happens before 40, it's called premature menopause.

In this article

What is it?

What's the treatment?

Advice and support

At the menopause the ovaries stop producing eggs and the female hormone oestrogen. The lack of this hormone can cause problems. Although some women do not experience any symptoms, others may have trouble with:

• Hot flushes
• Night sweats
• Insomnia
• Mood swings
• Vaginal dryness
• Fatigue and tiredness
• Poor memory and concentration
• Poor libido

There's an increased risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures occurring after the menopause. Also, a woman's risk of heart disease increases after the menopause to around the same level as a man's.

It's not possible to prevent the menopause - it's a natural event that every woman goes through. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the main treatment for troublesome symptoms. It can also help protect the bones. Because of concerns that HRT may increase the risk of breast cancer, experts currently advise HRT to relieve menopausal symptoms is used at the lowest dose for the shortest time.

A natural approach to treatment includes taking natural plant oestrogens - called phytoestrogens or isoflavones - as a supplement or in foods such as soy flour, soymilk, soybeans and tofu.

A diet including plenty of calcium, vitamin D and magnesium helps to keep the bones healthy, as does not smoking and taking regular weight-bearing exercise.

Women's Health Concern
Helpline: 0845 123 2319
Email: info@womens-health-concern.org
Website: www.womens-health-concern.org

This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Rob Hicks in May 2008