Menopause is a natural phase in a woman's life, but understanding its intricacies and how it's managed within the UK healthcare system is crucial. From diagnosis to treatment, as well as considerations like supplementation, this guide aims to shed light on menopause for women in the United Kingdom.
Table of contents:
- Understanding menopause.
- UK medical guidelines on diagnosis and treatment.
- Supplementation in menopause
Understanding menopause.
In the UK, menopause is medically defined as the absence of menstrual periods for 12 consecutive months, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. This cessation of periods is attributed to declining levels of reproductive hormones, particularly oestrogen and progesterone. Women may also experience perimenopause, a transitional phase marked by irregular periods and various symptoms like hot flushes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances.
UK Medical Guidelines on Diagnosis and Treatment.
The UK follows guidelines set by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) regarding the diagnosis and management of menopause-related symptoms. Healthcare professionals typically diagnose menopause based on a woman's medical history, symptoms, and the absence of periods for 12 months. NICE recommends offering information and support to help women make informed decisions about managing their symptoms. Treatment options may include:
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): HRT involves replacing oestrogen to alleviate menopausal symptoms like hot flushes and vaginal dryness. It can be administered in various forms, including tablets, patches, gels, and creams. However, HRT is not suitable for everyone, and healthcare providers assess individual risks and benefits before prescribing it.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Adopting a healthy lifestyle can help alleviate menopausal symptoms. This includes regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, managing stress, and quitting smoking.
- Non-Hormonal Treatments: Non-hormonal medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and selective serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) may be prescribed to manage symptoms such as hot flushes and mood swings.
Supplementation in menopause.
- Calcium and vitamin D supplements are commonly recommended to support bone health, as the decline in oestrogen levels during menopause can increase the risk of osteoporosis.
- Traditional herbal remedies for menopause include black cohosh, evening primrose oil, and red clover.
- Vitamin B6 and magnesium aid in promoting balanced energy levels, hormone equilibrium, and overall psychological wellness.
