Menopause and perimenopause
What is the menopause?
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Menopause is when your periods stop due to lower hormone levels, which usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55.
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It can sometimes happen earlier than 45 naturally or as a result of surgery to remove the ovaries (oophorectomy) or the uterus (hysterectomy) or cancer treatments.
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What is perimenopause?
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Perimenopause is when you have symptoms before your periods have stopped.
You reach menopause when you have not had a period for 12 months.
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What are the symptoms of the menopause and perimenopause?
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Your periods may be irregular and different to what you are used to until they stop completely
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Hot flushes
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Headaches
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Muscle and joint pain
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Weight gain
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Vaginal dryness
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Change in libido
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Palpitations
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Changes to your skin
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Night sweats and difficulty sleeping
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Mood swings, anxiety and low mood
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Memory problems
What is the treatment for the menopause and perimenopause?
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Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
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HRT comes in the forms of gels, sprays, tablets, implants or skin patches and work by replacing the oestrogen hormone in your body.
If you haven't had a hysterectomy and still have your uterus (womb), you will also need to take progesterone to protect the lining of the uterus. Progesterone can be taken in the form of tablets, a coil or in a combined patch with oestrogen.
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Gynaecologist Consultant, Evi Bakali is an expert in menopause and perimenopause management.
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