by Ethel Smith

Created on: April 27, 2008   Last Updated: July 18, 2008

Time goes so fast that we women no sooner seem to be struggling with menstruation problems
and having babies than the menopause is upon us. For some who have experienced problems with menstruation it may be welcomed with open arms, however the menopause can inflict a whole new set of problems. So firstly how can we be sure that it is the menopause and not some underlying health problem?

IS IT THE MENOPAUSE?

Signs and symptoms of the menopause may include:-
Lighter or heavier menstrual bleeding.
Mood swings.
A change in body shape.
An increase in body weight.
Hot flushes, as they are called in England. More recently we older females seem to be calling them tropical moments which is a little more appealing.
Night sweats.
Dry skin and hair.
A higher risk of heart disease than before the menopause.

Your Doctor may suggest a simple blood test to check if you are pre-menopausal, going through the menopause or post-menopausal. This is done at a particular time in your menstrual cycle if possible. It is a fairly reliable test. The result of this, your age and the symptoms which you present to your Doctor will help determine the diagnosis.

TREATMENTS

The menopause is not an illness but this natural change in a woman's life can cause tremendous problems. Mood swings may be very dramatic and vary from sadness to anger and more. In determining the appropriate treatment for you a Doctor will look at your symptoms and assess which are causing you the most problems. Treatments may include:-

A change in diet.
Restricting some foods and drinks such as coffee and alcohol.
Mild anti-depressant drugs.
Regular vitamin supplements.
Taking regular exercise.
HRT or Hormone replacement therapy.
Natural hormone replacements from a health food store.

SURVIVING THE MENOPAUSE

This period of a woman's life can be satisfying but as with all things it is down to the individual. At this time of life any children will have usually left home, money is less tight and the world is your oyster, maybe. The menopause needs to be embraced and issues tackled. Many of the symptoms such as hot flushes or flashes are a nuisance but nothing more. Check out your local pharmacy, health food store and ask your doctor for the best course of treatments available.

I would personally say avoid HRT unless your symptoms are so bad that it becomes necessary. Sooner or later you would have to stop taking the HRT and you would then experience the symptoms of the menopause. You might be of such an age by this time that your mind and body could not cope with the symptoms then.

It is far better to try to follow a sensible diet, with plenty of gentle exercise and a good vitamin supplement. You will find that the symptoms will tend to peak for a few weeks every few months and then subside again anyway. Surviving the menopause is all about going with the flow and letting nature take it's course. The bonus of course is that you are leaving menstruation and its many difficulties behind.

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