The menopause marks a natural stage in a woman’s life when periods stop and the ovaries stop producing eggs. This typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average age of 51, though it can occur earlier due to medical conditions or treatments like chemotherapy.
Despite the menopause effecting half of the population, menopause is still seen as a taboo subject. Four out of five women report symptoms, one in four experience severe symptoms, yet fewer than half seek help.
Normalising conversations about menopause empowers women to seek support.
Our expert doctor, Dr Petra du Plessis
Symptoms and diagnosis
Women start to experience symptoms during perimenopause, as this when there is a gradual reduction in oestrogen production. Common symptoms include hot flushes, mood changes, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness and reduced libido.
Diagnosis for women over 45 is typically based on symptoms, however blood tests may be needed for younger women to rule out other conditions.
Treatment and lifestyle adjustments
Managing menopause symptoms often involves a combination of approaches:
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Lifestyle measures - regular exercise, a balanced diet and reducing caffeine and alcohol intake
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Complementary herbal medicines - remedies such as black cohosh, St John’s Wort or red clover may help but are not suitable for everyone and may interact with other medications. They are not recommended for women with breast or ovarian cancer
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Medical treatments - options range from hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to non-hormonal prescriptions like SSRIs or gabapentin
Hormone Replacement Therapy - HRT is particularly effective for many women, offering benefits such as symptom relief, osteoporosis prevention and reduced risks of heart disease when started early. However, there are risks such as increased likelihood of stroke or clotting in specific methods, and so they may not be suitable for everyone.
Menopause in the workplace
Did you know that women over 50 are the fastest-growing workforce demographic? This makes workplace support essential. Flexible working, regular breaks and adjustments in the workplace can improve productivity and job retention while supporting women during this life stage.
By raising awareness and fostering support, navigating menopause can become easier for all women.