October is Menopause Awareness Month and 18 October is World Menopause Day.  The menopause is part of the natural process of aging and usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55, however it can sometimes happen earlier. 

Perimenopause is when symptoms are experienced before periods have stopped.  Menopause is reached when you have not had a period for twelve months. And happens when the ovaries stop producing reproductive hormones

Menopause and perimenopause can cause symptoms and these may vary from person to person, some of the most common symptoms include:

• Irregular periods
• Excessive sweating during night
• Hot flushes
• Vaginal dryness, itching and pain during sexual intercourse
• Mood swings
• Fatigue

There is a huge amount of information available to women and in some cases having a conversation with their pharmacist can result in over the counter medicines being advised to help relieve symptoms..

It is possible to help relive some of the symptoms through self-care such as having a healthy diet and taking regular exercise.  In addition, not smoking and reducing the amount of alcohol consumed can also help. 

The main medical treatment for menopause and perimenopause symptoms is hormone replacement therapy (HRT) which replaces hormones that are at low levels.  There are non-hormonal treatments if your symptoms are having a big impact on your life and you cannot, or choose not to, have HRT. Find out more about symptoms, things you can do, treatment and help and support on the NHS website.

Dr Sadie Aubrey, GP said:

The more women are aware of menopause symptoms and what can help, through the range of options available, the better.  Women can find out more from NHS, patient.info and Menopause Matters websites, and then if needed have a conversation with a pharmacist, nurse of GP to decide the best option for them individually.