Common Questions About Menopause & HRT

By Katerina Skapoullis

Common Questions about Menopause and HRT: Your Complete Guide

Confused about menopause and how you are feeling? Overwhelmed with all the information out there? – Here’s what you need to know.

Menopause is a natural life transition that every woman will experience, yet it remains surrounded by confusion and misinformation. Whether you're approaching menopause, currently experiencing symptoms, or supporting someone who is, having accurate information is crucial for making informed decisions about your health and wellbeing.

What Exactly Is Menopause?

Menopause marks the permanent end of menstrual periods and fertility. It's officially diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a period. While the average age for menopause in the UK is 51, this varies significantly among women. Some experience early menopause, between ages 40-45, while others may go through premature menopause before age 40.

The transition doesn't happen overnight. Perimenopause is the period leading up to menopause and can begin several years earlier as hormone levels start to fluctuate. During this time, periods may become irregular, heavier, or lighter before eventually stopping completely.

What Symptoms Should I Expect?

As your ovaries produce less oestrogen and progesterone, you may experience a wide range of symptoms. The most commonly known are hot flashes and night sweats, but menopause affects much more than your body temperature.

Physical symptoms often include vaginal dryness, joint aches, sleep disturbances, and changes in skin and hair texture. Many women also experience cognitive and emotional changes such as brain fog, mood swings, irritability, and decreased interest in activities they once enjoyed.

It's important to understand that not everyone experiences severe symptoms. Some women navigate menopause with minimal disruption to their daily lives, while others find symptoms significantly impact their quality of life. Most symptoms typically last three to five years, though some may persist longer without treatment.

Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Right for Me?

Hormone Replacement Therapy remains one of the most effective treatments for managing menopausal symptoms. HRT works by replacing some of the hormones your body stops producing, primarily oestrogen and sometimes progesterone.

There are different types of HRT depending on your individual needs. If you still have your uterus, you'll typically need combined HRT (oestrogen plus progesterone) to protect against endometrial cancer. Women who've had a hysterectomy can usually take oestrogen-only HRT.

HRT comes in various forms including patches, tablets, gels, sprays, and vaginal preparations. Transdermal options (patches, gels, or sprays) may be preferable for some women as they're associated with lower risks of blood clots compared to oral preparations.

What Are the Benefits and Risks of HRT?

For most women experiencing problematic, sometimes even debilitating, menopausal symptoms, the benefits of HRT outweigh the risks. HRT is highly effective and often showing improvement within three to four weeks of starting treatment. In some it can take longer. Treatment is also significantly beneficial in reducing the risk of osteoporosis, heart disease and diabetes.

However, like all medical treatments, HRT can carry some risks. 

Every woman is unique and therefore will requires a tailored treatment combination and response varies greatly between individuals, even though the symptoms may be the same.

The key is individual assessment. Your healthcare provider will consider your personal health history, risk factors, and symptom severity to determine if HRT is appropriate for you.

How Long Can I Take HRT?

There's no arbitrary time limit for HRT use. The decision about duration should be based on your ongoing symptoms, benefits experienced, and individual risk factors. Many women aim to stop HRT after three to five years when their natural menopausal symptoms typically subside. However, some may need longer treatment, and that's perfectly acceptable with proper medical supervision.

If you decide to stop HRT, it's usually recommended to reduce the dose gradually rather than stopping abruptly. Some women may experience a return of symptoms when discontinuing treatment, but these typically resolve within a few months.

What If HRT Isn't Right for Me?

HRT isn't suitable for everyone. Women with certain conditions such as current or past breast cancer, active liver disease, unexplained vaginal bleeding, or a history of blood clots may not be candidates for traditional HRT.

Fortunately, there are alternative approaches to managing menopausal symptoms. Lifestyle modifications including regular exercise, stress management, maintaining a healthy diet, and avoiding triggers like spicy foods or alcohol can help reduce symptoms. Some women find relief through complementary therapies, though evidence for their effectiveness varies.

Non-hormonal medications may also be helpful for specific symptoms. For example, certain antidepressants can reduce hot flashes, while vaginal moisturizers and lubricants can address dryness and discomfort. Note that antidepressants are not a first line treatment for menopause.

Will I Gain Weight During Menopause?

Weight gain is a common concern, but research shows that HRT itself doesn't cause weight gain. However, hormonal changes during menopause can affect how your body stores fat, with more accumulating around the waist rather than hips and thighs.

Many women do experience some weight changes during menopause due to factors including slower metabolism, decreased muscle mass, lifestyle changes, and fluid retention. Maintaining regular physical activity and a balanced diet becomes increasingly important during this transition.

When Should I Seek Professional Help?

If menopausal symptoms are affecting your quality of life, work performance, or relationships, it's time to do something about it and seek medical advice. Don't suffer in silence or feel that symptoms are something you just have to live with.

A knowledgeable healthcare provider can help you understand your options, assess your individual risk factors, and develop a personalized treatment plan. This might include HRT, lifestyle modifications, or other therapies depending on your specific needs and preferences.

Taking Control of Your Menopause Journey

Menopause is not a medical condition to be cured, but rather a natural transition that can be managed effectively with the right information and support. Every woman's experience is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another.

The most important step is to become informed about your options and work with healthcare professionals who understand menopause management. Don't hesitate to advocate for yourself and seek specialized care if needed. With proper support and treatment when necessary, most women can navigate menopause while maintaining their quality of life and overall wellbeing.

Remember, menopause is not the end of vitality or the beginning of decline. With appropriate management, it can be the start of a new chapter - freedom from periods, potential relief from hormonal fluctuations and mood swings, continued health and feeling happy with being yourself again.

If you feel like you want personalised evidence-based guidance about how to better understand your options and manage your symptoms, contact Positive Changes Coaching to book a consultation. Email: Katerinacoach4life@gmail.com

Note: This information is for educational purposes and shouldn't replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for medical advice specific to your situation.