The Menopause: Why Everyone, at every age, needs to know about it.
Menopause is a natural biological process, yet it's a subject that often remains shrouded in mystery and misconception, especially for those not at the age of this whole experience. It's not just about hot flashes and mood swings; it's a significant phase in the life of anyone who menstruates, and deserves everyone's attention, regardless of age or gender. We want to delve into what menopause is, why it matters, and why we should all be informed about it. Why should anyone be left in the dark about what happens to 50% of the population?
What is Menopause?
Menopause marks the point in life when the menstrual periods cease due to declining hormone levels, particularly estrogen. While it typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, menopause can happen earlier or for reasons like surgery, cancer treatments, or genetic factors. Peri-menopause, on the other hand, is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, characterised by hormonal fluctuations and symptoms like mood swings, irregular periods, and hot flashes. It will affect anyone who menstruates, which means it's relevant to consider all those who will go through this, and to make everyone aware of this information. Menopause and peri-menopause can occur naturally or due to medical interventions, making it a subject that touches pretty much everyone’s lives, whether its themselves, a friend or partner.
The Impact of Menopause
The symptoms of menopause and peri-menopause are not just physical; they can have profound effects on a person's life. The mood swings, anxiety, and brain fog can affect relationships and work, and with the irregular periods and hot flashes can be physically uncomfortable. The changes in hormones can also impact bone and heart health, metabolism. Peri-menopause is the period leading up to menopause when this hormonal change begin to take place. It's crucial to understand that menopause isn't an abrupt event; it's a transition. The duration of perimenopause varies widely, from around seven to fourteen years. Factors like lifestyle choices and genetics play a role in determining how long this phase lasts.
The good news is that there are steps you can take to manage the symptoms of menopause. Lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and managing stress, can help alleviate some of the discomfort. Additionally, there are medical treatments available, including Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), which can replace the hormones your body is lacking and relieve many symptoms. Campaigning for HRT, Davina McCall and Dr. Naomi Potter have been vocal advocates for this treatment, one that has significantly improved many people’s lives. They're on a mission to make HRT more accessible and break the stigma surrounding it. HRT has helped countless people regain their quality of life during menopause, and it's essential to ensure that those who need it can access it without hesitation.
Menopause is not a topic that should be reserved for a particular age group or gender. It's a natural phase of life that touches us all in some way, whether directly or through the experiences of loved ones. By understanding menopause, its symptoms, and the available treatments, we can better support and empower individuals going through this transformative journey. Opening up the conversation, break down the taboos, and embracing menopause is an integral part of our overall health and well-being.
