Is it Menopause?
Dr Denise Huang, Director of The Madison Medical Practice Hornsby explains.
Did you know that you don’t need a blood test to diagnose menopause? The word “menopause” refers to the final menstrual period a woman experiences and is diagnosed when a woman has had no periods for 12 consecutive months. The average age of menopause is 51. But the period of irregular bleeding with or without troubling symptoms is called “perimenopause” which on average lasts 3-4 years. During this time, the ovaries don’t produce eggs as regularly and the production of oestrogen and progesterone fluctuates which can lead to undesirable symptoms. If you are experiencing irregular periods associated with symptoms of hot flushes, night sweats, disturbed sleep, mood changes, fatigue, joint pain, brain fog or anything else that interferes with your daily life, please don’t suffer in silence, come in to see your GP.
There are non-hormonal, hormonal and complementary options available to treat menopausal symptoms. Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) – previously known as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the most effective way to improve symptoms. Latest research has shown that the risk of blood clots, stroke and breast cancer whilst taking MHT is very small and safe for most women for the first 10 years after menopause. There are added health benefits of MHT including preventing bone loss and a trend towards reduced cardiovascular disease. Your doctor will discuss the suitability of MHT and the route of delivery depending on your personal medical history, age, and whether you have an intact uterus.
Click here to make an appointment with Dr Denise Huang to discuss this issue. Alternatively, please call our friendly staff for an appointment on 9987-2226.
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