Menopause is a natural condition that affects all women at some stage of their life. At least one in four women have severe symptoms, which detrimentally affect them, their family, home and work life.
The menopause is still largely one of those subjects around which feels like there is a conspiracy of silence. In many contexts, women going through this life stage don’t feel able to mention it for fear of being judged incompetent or ‘unprofessional’.
Menopause is the transitional period in a woman's life when her ovaries start producing less of the sex hormones, oestrogen and progesterone. Menopause is declared when a woman ceases to have a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months, marking the end of her reproductive years. A woman who has her ovaries surgically removed immediately enters menopause
Understanding Menopause
Natural menopause is a gradual process that begins with perimenopause, usually in a woman's 40s (though it may occur as early as her 30s). Perimenopause can last up to 10 years, as the menstrual cycle tapers off and menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, and mood swings may begin.
Other physical and psychological changes that may occur throughout peri-menopause, menopause, and the postmenopausal years include migraines, depression, anxiety, osteoporosis, joint pain, irregular heartbeat, insomnia, irritability, forgetfulness, diet and HRT are just some of the areas covered. Menopause is also associated with problems such as vaginal dryness, painful sexual intercourse, low libido, relationships.
Treating Common Symptoms and Challenges
Eventually, symptoms of menopause like hot flushes and mood swings will likely abate. However, for those who find them difficult to manage, there are treatments and strategies that offer some relief. These typically centre on lifestyle changes such as breathing exercises, exercise routines, and the use of cooling devices for hot flushes. In some cases, short term use of nonprescription remedies like black cohosh and isoflavones from soy foods or supplements may help. Hormone therapy and non-hormonal medications are available by prescription for severe and disruptive symptoms.
Menopause and Mental Health
Many of the most well-known menopause symptoms, such as hot flushes, are physical. But cognitive and psychological symptoms can be equally challenging for women to deal with- not to mention confusing or even frightening. Feeling “foggy” or forgetful, a common symptom of menopause, may cause concerns about the onset of Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease; mood swings may lead to relationship difficulties or can increase feelings of frustration or anxiety. Hormone therapy, as well as lifestyle interventions - such as exercise, dietary changes, and relaxation techniques - may help women reduce the mental impact of menopause and feel better as a result.
Most significantly, talking therapy can support and assist in an individual or group setting, whereby they will consider the stages and symptoms, details and what treatments are safe and effective for particular needs.
The therapy room is the perfect place to offer women support for what they are going through as well as having the opportunity to explore the many aspects of this change of life: the physical and emotional changes, the sense of loss, the deeper existential and spiritual dimensions and the wisdom that may come with this stage of life.
Thereafter, the menopause can actually be a positive and liberating experience for some women who learn to embrace the next chapter of their life, however, for many it can be an overwhelming, frightening, life changing and isolating experience.
If you are interested in joining an online therapy group specifically for women going through peri-menopause or menopause please contact Denise at info@londontherapydirectory.com for further details.
Kommentare