Navigating Menopause: What Symptoms To Expect

Do you ever feel like menopause is surrounded by far more uncertainty and mystery than it should be?

Considering this is an experience half the population will have, it’s surprising how many gaps in information, knowledge, and access remain for Australian women in our modern age.

Menopause marks the end of a woman’s fertile years and her menstrual cycles – but it also marks the beginning of a new chapter, one which can be highly rewarding for many. By demystifying the menopausal experience, we can each stand to benefit from an improved understanding of what we’re likely to experience ourselves, what kinds of resources and treatments are available, and how we can plan accordingly for what’s ahead.

Whether you’re in the midst of your own menopause journey or you can see it on the horizon, bookmark this resource to find the support you need for the unknown – and known- changes ahead. 

Understanding menopause

A study in BMC Women’s Health that was published in September 2023 notes, ‘due to menopause being a largely invisible and under-discussed topic in wider society, women often deal with menopause-related complications on their own. Social support and awareness have been shown to reduce negative menopausal experiences; however, lack of menopause knowledge… may deter support for women suffering from menopause symptoms.’ 

Unfortunately, this is particularly true for younger women, who may not understand what’s ahead for them until they begin to face it for themselves. By building our collective knowledge of what menopause is and how it progresses, we can contribute to a reduction in crucial knowledge gaps that pave the way for more women to find crucial support during their menopausal transition.

So, what do we need to know about menopause?

Firstly, menopause actually takes place in three stages: perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. Perimenopause is the transitional period that leads up to menopause, while menopause itself is marked by the definitive end of menstrual cycles. Postmenopause, then, refers to the years that follow after this moment. For many women, menopause typically occurs in their late 40s to early 50s.

What symptoms are likely to arrive with menopause?

Some of menopause’s symptoms have long been the subject of pop culture reference, while other common symptoms have gone entirely unrealised until they’re experienced first-hand. For many women, hot flushes and night sweats are some of the most common symptoms they’ll experience. These are marked by a sudden (and uncomfortable!) sensation of warmth that’s often most intense on the face, neck, and chest. When a hot flush occurs at night, resulting in a night sweat, it can have a disruptive impact on the ability to sleep well, or to sleep at all.

Alongside these headline symptoms, mood swings and emotional changes can also be part and parcel of menopause. For some women, these can be minimal fluctuations. For others, these emotional shifts can lead to mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression. When women aren’t aware of the risks of these symptoms, they’re far too likely to suffer in silence. 

Further menopause symptoms can include changes to the vagina and urinary tract as a direct result of decreased oestrogen levels. This can lead to discomfort during intercourse, as well as to issues with everyday urination. Pelvic floor exercises, over-the-counter lubricants and targeted moisturisers can all help to relieve the impact of these symptoms.

Small but crucial changes can also take place physically, including changes to hair texture, skin elasticity, and the way weight’s distributed throughout the body. While there are a range of treatments available for these symptoms, they can only be treated when they’re first identified, meaning too many women are suffering without this key support. 

Uncertain about how to navigate the impacts of menopause symptoms on your daily wellbeing? Reach out to the Australian Menopause Centre to find personalised treatment pathways to suit your individual needs.
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Further changes during menopause

Alongside the obvious symptoms of menopause are more subtle shifts and changes to the body’s internal and external wellbeing. The decline in oestrogen that menopause brings can have a significant impact on considerations such as bone density and the increased risk of cardiovascular disease. 

In addition to these physical changes, this decline in oestrogen production can also have a subtle impact on brain function. Many women report experiencing ‘brain fog’ throughout menopause, including issues with their memory or a decreased ability to concentrate throughout its changes. For some women, these are temporary changes, but for others, they can become more and more pressing without additional support and management.

What kind of support is available to manage menopause symptoms?

While the long list of menopause symptoms may not inspire positivity, don’t lose hope: a wide range of treatment options are available to reduce the impact they have on our health and wellbeing.

Natural therapeutic treatments, including mind-body practices (like yoga and meditation), a regular exercise routine, a balanced diet, and careful management of stress triggers can be crucial in mitigating the impact of menopause’s changes. Different strategies can be appropriate for different symptoms, creating multiple options throughout each key stage of menopause that can be tested in response to individual concerns.

Hormone replacement therapy can also be a powerful treatment that reduces the impact of many menopausal symptoms. With recent advancements in the personalisation that’s available within this form of therapy, this treatment pathway has proven to be transformative for many Australian women navigating the impacts of menopause on their daily wellbeing. 

By working closely with your healthcare practitioners, you can build a customised treatment plan that assesses your individual lifestyle, wellbeing, and personal health factors. While menopause’s symptoms can indeed be disruptive, they don’t need to be tolerated without support for effective management. 

Conclusion

Menopause may bring about changes we don’t get to agree to, but it doesn’t have the final say. By building your understanding of menopause, its phases, and its symptoms, you can equip yourself to seek out appropriate and personalised treatment pathways that can make a significant difference in your menopause experience. Contact the Australian Menopause Centre today to find the support you need for every experience to come.