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Menopause chat
continued from page 1
How do I prepare for the menopause?
Q: I was wondering when the menopause really starts, as I am getting nearer 'that age'. When should I start taking alternative therapies to ease the symptoms? Are there any I can take before to make it better?rafflescat
A: The menopause can occur at any age, but usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. The average age is 51. Premature menopause can occur at any age, however - in very rare cases it can occur after just a few periods. There is a new dipstick urine test from Vielle that will quickly tell you whether or not any symptoms you're getting are due to the menopause. If you're having problems, your doctor may be willing to do a blood test to check your hormone levels.
Usually oestrogen levels start to fall around ten years before the menopause (last period) so if you're in your 40s, there is no harm in eating an isoflavone-rich diet and taking other steps to improve general health. More information is available in my book, called Menopause - what you really need to know (Robinson), which you can order from bookshops or libraries. For hot flushes and night sweats, one of the best approaches is to take black cohosh and sage leaf extracts, which are available in combined form.
Am I menopausal? I am only 30 years old!
Q: How common is it for someone to get the menopause early? Is there a test that can be done to find out? If you were taking any form of hormonal contraceptive, how would this affect the test and your symptoms?
My acupuncturist suggested I might have the symptoms at 30. I have no periods as am on Depo and I get night sweats, feel confused and experience memory loss and lack of concentration. It could easily be stress, but would like to know a bit more. welovemarmite
A: Yes, it is most likely due to stress. But just in case, there is a urine dipstick test (by Vielle) that was launched last month, and which measures urine levels of hormones to show whether or not symptoms are likely to be linked with the menopause. If clinically indicated your GP may be willing to do a blood test instead. Menopause usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, but in some women premature menopause can occur. This often runs in families, so it will help to know when other close female relatives have reached the menopause. Try to get plenty of rest and relaxation if stress is affecting you like this. I know it's easy to say but it is important. When did you last have a good (restful) holiday?
Back to main question page
How do I prepare for the menopause?
Q: I was wondering when the menopause really starts, as I am getting nearer 'that age'. When should I start taking alternative therapies to ease the symptoms? Are there any I can take before to make it better?rafflescat
A: The menopause can occur at any age, but usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. The average age is 51. Premature menopause can occur at any age, however - in very rare cases it can occur after just a few periods. There is a new dipstick urine test from Vielle that will quickly tell you whether or not any symptoms you're getting are due to the menopause. If you're having problems, your doctor may be willing to do a blood test to check your hormone levels.
Usually oestrogen levels start to fall around ten years before the menopause (last period) so if you're in your 40s, there is no harm in eating an isoflavone-rich diet and taking other steps to improve general health. More information is available in my book, called Menopause - what you really need to know (Robinson), which you can order from bookshops or libraries. For hot flushes and night sweats, one of the best approaches is to take black cohosh and sage leaf extracts, which are available in combined form.
Am I menopausal? I am only 30 years old!
Q: How common is it for someone to get the menopause early? Is there a test that can be done to find out? If you were taking any form of hormonal contraceptive, how would this affect the test and your symptoms?
My acupuncturist suggested I might have the symptoms at 30. I have no periods as am on Depo and I get night sweats, feel confused and experience memory loss and lack of concentration. It could easily be stress, but would like to know a bit more. welovemarmite
A: Yes, it is most likely due to stress. But just in case, there is a urine dipstick test (by Vielle) that was launched last month, and which measures urine levels of hormones to show whether or not symptoms are likely to be linked with the menopause. If clinically indicated your GP may be willing to do a blood test instead. Menopause usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, but in some women premature menopause can occur. This often runs in families, so it will help to know when other close female relatives have reached the menopause. Try to get plenty of rest and relaxation if stress is affecting you like this. I know it's easy to say but it is important. When did you last have a good (restful) holiday?
Back to main question page
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