Perimenopause and Menopause
Explaining perimenopause and menopause
Menopause is a natural, normal event. It is the final menstrual period and usually confirmed when a woman has not had a period for 12 months consecutively. Menopause occurs when your ovaries no longer produce eggs, resulting in lower levels of oestrogen and other hormones. Low levels of oestrogen can affect different systems in the body, such as your bones, heart, brain, skin, genital area and urinary system.
On average it occurs at age 51 years but can happen anytime between 45 and 55.
If you are over the age of 45 and have the usual symptoms of menopause, you do not usually need any tests to diagnose menopause. If you are younger than 45 and have symptoms, it is advisable to see your doctor for a check.
Common menopausal symptoms
The symptoms of menopause are varied. They may include the following, (but your menopausal symptoms may not be listed below!):
- changed menstrual periods
- hot flashes
- night sweats
- difficulty sleeping
- memory problems
- mood disturbances
- vaginal dryness
- muscle and/or joint pain
If your symptoms are affecting your normal life please do make an appointment and discuss this with a doctor.
Menopausal symptom facts
Symptoms can begin during the perimenopausal years. Each woman’s experience is different. Some key facts include:
• Menopausal symptoms affect 70-80% of women
• Menopausal symptoms are severe in 25% of women
• They last 7 years on average
• One third of women report long-term symptoms
• 50% of women said their symptoms impacted their home life and 36% said the menopause impacted their social lives
• At work, symptoms can affect engagement, performance, motivation, and relations with employers
Not all these changes are hormone-related, and most are expected to resolve after menopause. If you require support please come and visit one of our doctors. Please our Menopause Factsheet which can explain more.
Seeking support
Some women find going through perimenopause/menopause can negatively impacting their life and may need to seek assistance. At Osler Health, we believe in a holistic approach to healthcare, this means we aim to thoroughly understand your needs through looking at your symptoms and reviewing your physical health, sleep, hormonal balance, mental health and health history. In this way we can fully understand your needs.
You may also like to be aware that Dr June Tan Sheren is a member of the Australasian Menopause Society and Dr Tash Mirando is a member of The British Menopause Society. Both doctors have supported many women through menopause and are based in our Raffles Hotel Arcade clinic.
Next steps
Every woman has a different menopause, and what may work for your friend may not work for you. If you wish to see a female doctor, we have doctors in both our Raffles Hotel Arcade and Star Vista clinics who have extensive menopause management experience.
You may also like to be aware that Dr June Tan Sheren is a member of the Australasian Menopause Society and Dr Tash Mirando is a member of The British Menopause Society. Both doctors have supported many women through menopause and are based in our Raffles Hotel Arcade clinic.