Most women reach menopause between the ages of 45 and 55, although some women may experience it much earlier. Although all women go through menopause, each woman's experience is unique.

Menopause can occur naturally, as the result of normal aging, or it can be induced, by the surgical removal of the ovaries, or by radiotherapy or chemotherapy treatments for cancer. Some medications can create a 'menopausal' state: discuss this with your doctor.

Peri-Menopause. These are the years before menopause and it is during this time of hormonal fluctuation that many women experience the symptoms associated with menopause including

• Hot flushes
• Night sweats
• Sleep disturbances
• Irritability
• Irregular bleeding
• Vaginal dryness
• Urinary tract problems
• Tiredness
• Mood swings

What happens to your body during Peri-menopause?

Menopause is the end result of a process that starts with the decline in the number of follicles (small sacs inside the ovary that contain a developing egg) and a decrease in hormone production.

The symptoms of peri-menopause are related to the reduction in oestrogen levels circulating throughout the body. In addition to oestrogen, the ovaries also produce other hormones including progesterone and androgens. The production of progesterone is related to ovulation and can fluctuate during the peri-menopausal years, accounting for some of the bleeding changes that occur at this time.

Androgens, typically thought of as male hormones (because they are produced by the testes and circulate in higher levels in the male), are produced by the ovary and the adrenal gland (gland on top of the kidneys that produces hormones) in women.

Androgen production, which includes testosterone, declines in women as they age. The effects of decreased androgens in women have not been well established and may contribute to symptoms such as

• Fatigue
• Loss of sexual desire
• Decrease in muscle mass
• Bone loss.

What is HRT?

HRT or hormone replacement therapy, is a term for prescription hormones taken to relieve the menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes and mood swings which result when the amount of oestrogen produced by a woman's ovaries decreases.

Some women are prescribed medication that contains only oestrogen. Others take oestrogen combined with progestogen, a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone.

Unfortunately there is no simple answer to the question, "Is HRT for me?" but there are many things you can do to help make up your mind.

Before making a decision about HRT, research thoroughly and read as much as you can about the benefits and risks and ask your GP or Family Planning Victoria.

Much of the research on HRT and its impact on

• Breast cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Heart disease
• Osteoporosis

is confusing and inconclusive. Ask your doctor about your risk of heart disease, osteoporosis (a severe thinning of the bones that makes them more likely to break) and cancer. Make sure you discuss your family medical history, and quality of life issues.

You may also wish to consult a natural therapist to explore alternatives to medication. Make sure you tell your doctor if you are taking any natural therapies, as some of them may interact with medicines the doctor prescribes.

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Last updated:14/07/2006
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