So, what is the menopause?

1. Pre-menopause – periods are still regular but the first signs of symptoms start to appear, such as mood changes or hot flushes.
2. Peri-menopause – the function of the ovaries goes into decline and the symptoms of menopause become more noticeable.
3. Post-menopause. The menopause is actually the date of your last period – the date is usually confirmed when you have not had a period for a year.  This is when there really are no eggs left.  It’s in this phase that the risks of osteoporosis and heart problems are most talked about so it’s a good time to pay special attention to a good diet.

 During the perimenopause there are variations in your female hormones, particularly oestrogen.  Some women choose this time to visit their doctor and have a blood test to check the levels of FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone).  FSH levels would normally rise higher during menopause.

It’s a relatively useful test but not foolproof and the results should be considered in the light of your normal cycle and how regular it is

So, what are the symptoms of menopause?

These vary from woman to woman – some women sail through without any symptoms and just notice their periods have stopped.

Most women I see are suffering with hot flushes – sometimes with dreadful night sweats.

Sometimes it’s hard to see the wood for the trees when you are busy trying to keep up with life and suddenly everything seems harder.  If your chosen method of contraception means you don’t have periods then it is hard to see that things are changing hormonally.  So, I have seen women who have been unsure what was happening, they just knew they weren’t feeling themselves and symptoms might include disrupted sleep, feeling down, lack of energy, headaches, lack of sex drive, dryness, changes in weight, skin and hair.

What age is normal for menopause?

In the Western world, most women experience the menopause between the ages of 45-55.  About 1 in 100 women will experience the menopause before the age of 40 and this is considered premature menopause.

What can I do?

Don’t let menopause get you down, homeopathy can really help, even if you have been taking HRT and have had to stop, homeopathy can help.

Homeopathic treatment will not suppress your symptoms but help ease the symptoms so that you can work your way through this natural change in your body in a more gentle way.

Your symptoms are discussed in detail and then a homeopathic remedy or set of remedies will be prescribed to help ease you through this phase naturally and gently.