World Menopause Day

October is World Menopause Month and the 18th October specifically is World Menopause Day. The day aims to break taboo and improve women’s health and wellbeing by raising awareness about the symptoms of menopause and the treatment options available, whilst offering support and advice. The theme for World Menopause Day this year is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).

Menopause is a significant transition that affects women physically, emotionally, and mentally in their daily life. This is why it is vital that women know the HRT treatment options out there to give them a better quality of life and to take control of their own health and wellbeing.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a treatment designed to help women manage the symptoms that accompany menopause, which occur due to fluctuations in oestrogen levels. These hormone changes can lead to a variety of symptoms, but by adding the hormones back into the body, hormonal balance can be restored, helping to alleviate symptoms and improve overall wellbeing.

Symptoms associated with menopause include:

• hot flushes and night sweats

• sleep disturbances

• vaginal and urinary symptoms

• mood swings

• brain fog

• joint pain

• loss of libido

• headaches

• depression and anxiety

• low energy

HRT is not suitable for every woman. A doctor will determine which type of HRT is best, taking into account various factors, and will tailor the treatment to the woman’s needs. HRT can be given orally, as patches, subcutaneous (beneath the skin) or vaginally.

If you are experiencing perimenopause or menopause symptoms and wondering if HRT is right for you, you can contact your GP who will arrange an appointment for you to discuss your symptoms and treatment options.