Menopause

When we talk about menopause, what we often mean is peri-menopause. This is a transitional stage which is most likely to start in your forties or even thirties for some women. It can last anything from 2 years up to 12 years with a wide range of symptoms that are not always obvious. 

Perimenopause is when you have symptoms before your periods have stopped. You reach menopause when you have not had a period for 12 months. 

Menopause is when your periods stop due to lower hormone levels. The average age that a woman's period stop is 51 years old. From this point on, you are at an increased risk of chronic diseases such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease, so it is important to get your hormonal balance right, both before and after menopause.

What are the symptoms?

Menopause and peri-menopause symptoms can have a big impact on your life, including relationships and work.

Symptoms include:

• Hot flushes 

• Vaginal dryness

• Night sweats 

• Low libido

• Insomnia 

• Headaches and migraine

• Anxiety 

• Thinning hair

• Depression 

• Weight gain

• Poor concentration  

• Heavy periods and 'flooding' (during perimenopause) 

• Poor memory  

• Bone loss

• Joint pain

Causes

This is a natural process which happens to people with ovaries as they age. It can sometimes happen earlier for reasons such as surgery to remove the ovaries (oophorectomy) or the uterus (hysterectomy), cancer treatments like chemotherapy, or a genetic reason. Sometimes the reason for its early occurrence is unknown.

Diagnosis

If you believe you are experiencing symptoms of Menopause, you may want to visit your health professional. They will assess your symptoms and give you blood tests to confirm that Menopause is the cause of the symptoms displayed.

How it is treated conventionally?

The main medicine treatment for menopause and perimenopause symptoms is hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which replaces the hormones that are at low levels.

How does Surrey Centre for Nutrition work with the Menopause?

Whichever stage you are in, nutritional therapy can provide excellent support. The earlier you intervene with balancing your hormone, the better chance you have to avoid more debilitating symptoms or chronic diseases later in your life.

Whilst taking HRT can relieve symptoms for most women, some women prefer to follow a more natural approach to managing their symptoms. 

At the clinic, we aim to:

1. Support you in your decision, to make sure that you have the best outcome in the long-term

2. Educate you on the benefits and risks of taking medication versus following a more natural approach

3. Provide you with the nutritional and lifestyle tools for managing symptoms and getting you back to your old self.

4. Support you in preventing long-term health risks and diseases associated with ageing 

Additionally, we can offer FUNCTIONAL HORMONE TESTING to help you get to the bottom of what is happening with your hormones.

Are you ready to work with us to reach your health goals?

If you or someone you know is suffering from the symptoms or conditions listed above, Surrey Centre for Nutrition may be able to help. We typically work with clients for 3-6 months depending on your health concerns. Are you interested in working with us?

Book a discovery call to see how the Surrey Centre for Nutrition can help 

Please read our medical disclaimer.

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