Menopause
Birmingham, Henley in Arden, Solihull and St Albans
Menopause is one of the great life-changing episodes in a woman’s life. Physical, mental and hormonal changes all have a significant impact on body and mental wellness. Our holistic menopause clinic offers expert advice, guidance and personal care to help you come through re-energised, re-vitalised and ready to embrace the next exciting stage in your life.
Highly Commended UK Best Chain Clinics 2022
2021 Best Clinic Midlands & Wales
Experts in Face & Skin Rejuvenation
Number 1 for Fat Reducing, Body Sculpting Treatments
Highly Commended UK Best Chain Clinics 2022
2021 Best Clinic Midlands & Wales
Experts in Face & Skin Rejuvenation
Number 1 for Fat Reducing, Body Sculpting Treatments
ROLLERCOASTER RIDE OF SYMPTOMS
When it comes to the menopause, 51 is the ‘Magic Number.’ Not only is this the average age for women experiencing the menopause, but there are around 51 symptoms of menopause and perimenopause that precedes it, and on some days you may be forgiven for thinking you are being hit by all 51 at once.
The physical symptoms are tough – night sweats, flushes, fatigue, vaginal laxity, weight gain. The mental symptoms are just as challenging – anxiety, loss of confidence, mood changes, emotional well-being and brain fog… the menopause has a lot to answer for.
Our personal appearance is another consequence of the ‘Big Change’. Skin sensitivity, pigmentation, redness, adult acne, enlarged pores and dehydration are just some of the changes you may experience. Often we notice a significant increase in sagging skin around the brow and jowls as the reduction in the body’s production of oestrogen impacts the production of skin-firming collagen and elastin.
SPECIALIST MENOPAUSE SUPPORT YOU NEED
An expert team to help you navigate the challenges
Dr Wendy Molefi (left) is a Menopause Specialist accredited by the British Menopause Society whose focus is empowering you to flourish and create a balance in your daily life. She has a special interest in the psychological impact of the menopause on women’s quality of life.
Eva Fabreguettes Anti-ageing practitioner and trained GP is an expert in Menopause skin with a special interest in vaginal laxity and urinary incontinence.
Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Miss Poonam Pradhan has over 30 years experience in her field. She supports women with endometriosis, menorrhagia, pelvic pain, polycystic ovarian disease, menopause and ovarian cysts to name a few.
Menopause Support – FAQs
It’s important to ask lots of questions and fully explore all options available to you. Here are the most popular questions asked.
What is the menopause?
Menopause is a natural biological process in which the menstrual cycle stops. The ovaries are functioning less and no longer releasing eggs, which is related to a drop in oestrogen and progesterone levels in the body.
The body slowly enters menopause, often with several years of signals preceding it known as perimenopause. Those signals include irregular periods, heavier or lighter flows and weight gain.
How do I know if the menopause has started?
You can normally tell that the menopause has started if you have had no periods for one year, when your ovaries produce less of the hormone oestrogen. This may happen after about four years of irregular periods, known as the perimenopause. Hot flushes are one of the most visible signs that you are in the menopause, and can vary from being mildly uncomfortable to affecting your quality of life.
What should I expect when I go through the menopause?
Before you realize your period has stopped, you may notice other symptoms associated with menopause and perimenopause. They can include hot flushes, night sweats, profuse sweating, difficulty sleeping, headaches, decreased bone density, moodiness, anxiety, forgetfulness and problems with concentration, and vaginal dryness.
When will I get the menopause?
Most women will reach menopause between 45 and 55 years of age, although it may be earlier or even later in some women. Women tend to undergo menopause at an age similar to that of their mothers.
Are there any health risks associated with the menopause?
Health risks associated with menopause include an increased risk for heart disease and bone density loss (osteoporosis). Oestrogen offers some protection against both of these conditions, so when oestrogen levels fall at menopause, the risk increases.
How can I help myself through the menopause?
There are lots of different ways that women can help themselves during their menopause:
- Exercise and eat well
- Give up smoking
- Reduce caffeine intake
- Drink less alcohol
What about my mental wellbeing when I’m going through the menopause?
Changing hormone levels during menopause and midlife can increase the risk for depression in women. Emotional symptoms related to menopause can include anxiety, fears, and mood swings. Depression during perimenopause and menopause is treated similarly to depression that occurs at other times in life.
What is HRT?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment used to ease the symptoms of the menopause. It tops up, or replaces, low levels of the hormone oestrogen. It is commonly used to treat hot flushes. Many women notice that taking HRT improves their mood, sleep and general quality of life. They also notice they think more clearly and generally have more energy.
How do I take hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?
You can take HRT in a number of ways including:
Patches: self-adhesive patches placed on your skin below your waist. This provides a constant flow of hormones.
Gels: Applied daily to a clean dry area of skin, such as on your lower back or on your thighs.
Tablets: Tablets are the most popular form of HRT. You take these every day to control your symptoms.
What are the side-effects of HRT?
While hormone treatment (HRT) is helpful for some women in dealing with severe symptoms, many are reluctant to use it because of uncertainty about risks and benefits.
HRT can cause several side-effects including:
- tender, and larger, breasts – this may last for four to six months
- cramp in your legs
- feeling sick
- feeling bloated
- mood swings
- depression
- headaches
- fluid retention – this is when fluid builds up in your ankles or face, which can cause swelling
- more frequent migraines, if this is something you’re normally prone to
What are the risks of HRT?
While hormone treatment (HRT) is helpful for some women in dealing with severe symptoms, many are reluctant to use it because of uncertainty about risks and benefits including:
- Breast cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Endometrial cancer
- Blood clots
- Heart disease and strokes
