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INSTANT appointment
With Dr Paula Briggs, chair of the British Menopause Society (womens-health-concern.org)
Work up a sweat
Q Hot sweats are ruining my life! Are there any ways I can better control my temperature while still keeping active?
A Hot flushes and night sweats are the most common symptoms of menopause. They can last on average for seven years, but for some women, they can persist beyond the age of 60.
Hot flushes can be distressing, so it’s important to seek help from a health professional if you are struggling with them.
There are anumber of different treatments that might help hot flushes, including Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and newer nonhormonal treatments if you can’t or would prefer not to use HRT.
Other things may be beneficial such as acooler environment, wearing layers and doing what you can to reduce stress. Exercise can help to manage symptoms of menopause, too.
There are other lifestyle changes that can reduce hot flushes, such as stopping smoking, reducing alcohol and caffeine consumption and avoiding spicy food, which are worth trying.
Every woman’s experience of menopause is different and it’s important to find what treatments work best for you.
Losing libido
Q How will the menopause affect my sex drive? I’m approaching the menopause and I’m worried about how it will affect my relationship.
A Interest in sex can change for many different reasons, including the menopause. Areduction in sexual desire affects around 40% of menopausal women.
HRT can be helpful for low libido, but this is acomplex area, influenced by many factors. Hormonal therapy is not always the answer.
Vaginal dryness, itching, burning and pain with sex are symptoms which affect 50% or more of menopausal women, including those using HRT.
Some treatments include vaginal moisturisers or lubricants.
Psychosexual counselling and specialist pelvic floor physiotherapy can offer additional benefits, depending on your circumstances.
The addition of testosterone may help women with low sex drive when HRT has been optimised. Testosterone for women is used for low sexual desire and whilst it could possibly help with other symptoms, there is no supporting evidence at present.
Time for change
Q I’m 38 years old and I haven’t had my period in seven months. Is this a sign I could be entering perimenopause?
A Menopause
