As a doctor, I have seen countless women going through menopause and experiencing a range of symptoms that can greatly impact their quality of life. Menopause is a natural biological process that occurs in women typically between the ages of 45 to 55, although it can happen earlier or later. It marks the end of a woman's reproductive years and is caused by a decline in hormone production, specifically Oestrogen and progesterone, by the ovaries.
Menopause can cause a range of symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, vaginal dryness, decreased sex drive, insomnia, fatigue, and weight gain. Some women may also experience more severe symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and irritability. It's important to note that every woman's experience of menopause is unique, and some may have very few or no symptoms at all.
Managing menopause symptoms can be a challenge, and there are many different approaches that can be effective. One of the most popular and successful approaches is hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which involves replacing the declining hormones with synthetic hormones to alleviate symptoms. However, there has been increasing interest in bio-identical hormone therapy (BHRT), which uses hormones that are chemically identical to the ones produced by the body.
BHRT has been found to be an effective treatment option for many women experiencing menopause symptoms. Unlike synthetic hormones, which are not exact copies of the hormones produced by the body, bio-identical hormones are made from plant sources and are identical to the hormones naturally produced by the body. This means that they are less likely to cause side effects and are better tolerated by the body.
BHRT can be administered in several ways, including pills, creams, gels, patches, and injections. One of the benefits of BHRT is that it can be tailored to each woman's individual needs, and the dosage can be adjusted as needed. This allows for a more personalised approach to treatment and can result in better symptom control.
Studies have shown that BHRT can be effective in reducing menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood changes. In addition, BHRT has been found to have a positive impact on bone density, which can decrease with the loss of oestrogen during menopause. BHRT may also have a protective effect against heart disease, which is a leading cause of death among women.
However, it's important to note that BHRT is not without risks. As with any medical treatment, there are potential side effects, including breast tenderness, bloating, and mood changes. There is also some concern that long-term use of BHRT may increase the risk of breast cancer. However, the risk appears to be small, and studies have shown conflicting results.
In conclusion, menopause is a natural biological process that can cause a range of symptoms that can greatly impact a woman's quality of life. BHRT is a promising treatment option that can provide relief from symptoms while minimising side effects. However, it's important to discuss the risks and benefits of BHRT with a healthcare provider before starting treatment. Each woman's experience of menopause is unique, and treatment should be tailored to her individual needs.
You can book an appointment with me by calling 0121 456 7930, or online at privatemedicalclinic.com.
Dr. Teresha Jayawardena (MBChB, MRCGP, MSc, DRCOG) is a private GP with specialist expertise in women's and sexual health. With extensive postgraduate training and experience across multiple medical disciplines, she is dedicated to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to her patients' needs.
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