Menopause Info part 2:
A 10-part series exploring the causes, symptoms, and treatments for Menopause. Keep an eye out for the next information post…
What happens?
The levels of the three main hormones involved in the menstrual cycle start to drop/lower beyond the levels that maintain a ‘typical’ menstrual cycle.
- Oestrogen: responsible for strong bones, healthy arteries, memory/brain function, mood, lubrication of eyes, joints, and vagina
- Progesterone: regulates periods and has an important function during pregnancy
- Testosterone: Builds muscle, lifts sex drive, important for concentration and memory
Menopause Symptoms, why they occur and the impact:
Many cells in the body have oestrogen receptors on them. If the levels of oestrogen reduce, a mix of symptoms may present. These can change over time, for example, sweats and flushes might be dominant, then settle, but other symptoms like anxiety or mood changes then become more prominent.
Symptoms can be classified in 3 groups.
Physical
- Heart Palpitations • Difficulty in sleeping • Feeling tired or lacking in energy • Feeling dizzy or faint • Headaches • Tinnitus • Dry mouth and eyes • Sore gums • Muscle and joint pains • Breathing difficulties • Needing a wee more often, or having leaks of urine • Vaginal dryness, soreness • More thrush, cystitis episodes • Dry or itchy skin • Thinning hair • Poor sleep
Psychological:
- Low mood • Anxiety • Feeling tense or nervous • Memory problems • Attacks of anxiety or panic • Difficulty concentrating • Loss of interest in most things • Feeling unhappy or depressed • Crying spells • Irritability • Mood swings • Loss of confidence • Reduced self-esteem • Brain fog • Loss of interest in sex and/or level of arousal
Vasomotor (blood vessel constriction and dilation):
- Hot flushes (throughout the day) • Night sweats
The impact of symptoms:
Women are generally under prepared for symptoms, information is inadequate, and it can impact relationships and confidence (41% women thought this)
Symptoms below are shown as a % per 1000 women:
79% Hot flushes (83% in 60-65 age group)
70 Night sweats
57 Problems sleeping /insomnia.
54 Changes to flow/frequency of periods
52 Mood changes
47 Weight gain – risk factor for incontinence
47 Low energy levels
39 Difficulty in memory and concentration
38 Joint aches – peaked age 50-54, reduced to 27% age 60-65 years.
37 Loss of sex drive
35 Vaginal dryness – increased to 42% 60-65 years, links with vaginal atrophy
30 Increase urinary frequency and urgency
29 Headaches
26 Palpitations
13 Pain during sex
For further advice, exercise, nutrition, or physiotherapy treatment please book an appointment with Anna Clayton (Physiotherapy), Robyn Cardy (Nutrition) and Ben Durham (Personal training/Exercise plan)
01284 748200 or email admin@buryphysio.co.uk
A 10-part series exploring the causes, symptoms, and treatments for Menopause. Keep an eye out for the next information post…
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