World Menopause Day 2018

The 18^th of October every year has been chosen by the World Health Organization (WHO) to be a special day for women and raise awareness of the midlife health challenges that most of us will go through.

It is very common between women that our doctors speak to daily; to hear how the symptoms of menopause has caused them to change their everyday life habits.  In research done in the UK via online interviews of 1,000 adults (698 women and 302 men) an insightful infographic was produced that demonstrated the challenges that women are experiencing in their work, social and sexual life.

Menopause is defined when a female does not have a menstrual period for 12 months; the function of the ovaries ceases and hence their reproductive system has begun to come to an end.  This change in a woman’s life does not happen overnight but gradually and during this whole transition period; a woman may experience a number of different symptoms such as irregular periods, night sweats and vaginal dryness, mood changes and hot flushes.

The symptoms are caused by what is called a hormonal imbalance; that usually occurs between the age of 40 and 50 and the treatment options available are directed towards easing these uncomfortable symptoms and allowing you to get on with your daily routine.  No woman is the same as another, and each female will experience different menopause symptoms during the stages of menopause.

For many years’ menopause was a topic that women were not able to talk in public about and most of us did not admit that we were going through that phase of life.  Even nowadays in our work environment senior management may look down on women going through menopause and feeling ‘cranky’ rather than accepting the change in the hormonal balance that we are experiencing and men that go through andropause may also experience.

Lucky for all of us; nowadays there is a lot of information on the various symptoms and treatment options available that we can educate ourselves about and decide on a treatment program that is suitable for our personal experience.  No two experiences (or two women) are the same and it is important that the treatment you choose to relieve your symptoms is tailored made by a doctor with vast experience in treating women going through menopause and the medication prescribed will provide the relief you expect.

In 2018 World Menopause Day is focusing on sexual wellbeing after menopause.  After menopause  low libido is a symptom that is often experienced and can impact the relationship between a couple.  Sexual health is important for a woman’s physical, emotional, social and mental well being and it is important to highlight that low libido after menopause can be treated and you do not need to suffer in silence and cause significant distress to your relationship.  But do you know what is the origin of the Female Libido?  Read about ‘The Origin and Evolution of Female Libido’ on our website.

The main reason behind having a strong libido is to increase the chances of conception and therefore procreation. In our most fertile years, our hormones are at their highest and so is our libido. Biologically, as our hormones reduce, there is an absence of fertility and as a result, libido declines as the ability to procreate stops.

As we progress through menopause, oestrogen and testosterone levels decline. These hormones are the main drivers behind our libido, from a biological perspective, and low levels of either of these hormones, tend to contribute to low libido.

Due to declining oestrogen levels, the vaginal walls may undergo structural changes, and this may result in vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, and general vaginal discomfort. These symptoms can be a deterrent to a healthy libido as well as reduce the ability to experience sexual gratification and climaxing during sexual activity.

Depending on the cause of a declining libido, many treatment options are available. To determine the best possible treatment for you, it is always best to speak to one of the doctors at the Australian Menopause Centre and we can help you get through this phase of your life and start enjoying every moment of it again.  You can read more on how Menopause can affect you sexual life in an article written by one of our Naturopaths; Annmarie Cannone and she also explains some of the available treatment options.

Social attitudes around menopause need to shift towards valuing the experience and maturity that comes with ageing.  The fundamental principles that should underpin menopause treatment for all women need to ensure that doctors and practitioners offer an understanding and educated solution that will meet the requirements of each woman individually and not a blanket approach for all.

So if you are looking at speaking to an experienced doctor and greater support to relieve you from your menopause symptoms call us on 1300 883 405 or fill in the form on our website and we will contact you to book you in to speak to one of our doctor over the phone or face to face at a day and time that suits you.

On this special day; the Australian Menopause Centre would like to offer all existing patients a $50 Coles voucher (sent on the qualifying date) for any new patient you refer  to us; so you can spend it on something special for you!  For all new patients that join our program we will also give you a $50 Coles gift voucher (sent on the qualifying date) to spoil yourself and start feeling fabulous again!

Terms and Conditions apply; click HERE to read more.

Enjoy World Menopause Day 2018 ladies; we all deserve it and it is an opportunity for us to talk to our loved ones about what we are experiencing!