Menopause

Although a natural part of the female ageing process. Menopause is a very complex and sensitive time in any woman’s life and every woman experiences menopause differently. Menopause usually occurs between 45 and 55 years of age, as a woman’s oestrogen levels decline. Some women, around 1 in 100 may also experience menopause before the age of 40. This is known as premature menopause.

Due to declining oestrogen levels, many women can expect to experience erratic periods before the final cessation and this is referred to as being peri-menopausal. This is a transitional phase, which usually lasts around 4-5years.

Menopause will cause a wide range of symptoms, due to low oestrogen levels and hormonal change. The most commonly experienced symptoms include:

• Hot flushes
• Night sweats
• Vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex
• Difficulty sleeping
• Low mood
• Anxiety
• Reduced sex drive (libido)
• Problems with memory and concentration

There are also long term consequences of low oestrogen are these are often symptomless. There can be significant loss of calcium from the bones which may give rise to fractures and greater risk of osteoporosis. The cardio-protective effects of oestrogen are also lost which can be associated with a rise in cardiovascular disease.

Menopause symptoms can reduce your quality of life, if you don’t get the correct support. So it’s important to speak to your GP or pharmacist as early as possible. At Green Cross Pharmacy, your pharmacist is available to talk to you privately about your Menopause, and the wide range of products available to support you through your menopause journey. Talk to us today!