What is the menopause?

The menopause is a time when women stop having periods, and experience fluctuating levels of the hormone oestrogen. It is a natural part of ageing that usually occurs between 45 and 55 years of age, when the ovaries stop producing the female hormones oestrogen and progestogen, and no longer release an egg each month. The average age of menopause in the UK is 51 years, although for some women it can occur earlier or later in life.

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The drop in hormone levels during the menopause is associated with a number of symptoms including vasomotor symptoms (hot flushes, night sweats (can lead to sleep disturbances)), urogenital symptoms (vaginal atrophy leading to vaginal dryness, vaginal irritation, dyspareunia, urinary tract infections), psychological symptoms (low mood, minor anxiety, mood changes, irritability, memory and concentration loss) and musculoskeletal symptoms (joint and muscle aches, bone loss, leading to osteoporosis and risk of fragility fractures). Other signs and symptoms may include headaches, fatigue, palpitations, lack of interest in sex.

Almost two thirds of women of menopausal age in the UK are affected by symptoms of menopause.

What is vaginal atrophy?

Woman in white smiling leaning against window

Vaginal atrophy is the thinning and drying of the vaginal walls as a result of the natural drop in the levels of oestrogen in your body after the menopause. Common symptoms include vaginal dryness and irritation, dyspareunia (recurring pain during sexual intercourse) and increased urination frequency, urgency, incontinence, or burning. In more severe cases, women may have discomfort sitting, exercising, or wearing tight fitting clothing. Up to 50% of postmenopausal women have at least some degree of vaginal atrophy.

Ideally you should start treatment for vaginal atrophy as early as possible and continue it to maintain the benefits.

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