Menopause
The menopause refers to the time when a woman stops having periods. Perimenopause relates to the time leading up to then when women can encounter a range of different symptoms as their body adapts to the changing levels of hormones in their system. This is a natural part of getting older but can be a challenging time to deal with. Thanks to many public figures talking about their experiences there is a better understanding of the menopause.
It is not always obvious when you are entering the perimenopausal phase. The symptoms can overlap with the symptoms of other health conditions so it is worth checking out any changes that you may be coping with, with your GP.
People can develop perimenopausal symptoms and enter menopause at any age but in the main tends to be between the ages of 45 and 55 years of age.
+ What are the symptoms of Menopause?
- Changes in the pattern of your periods
- Sudden feelings of hot or cold in your body
- Changes in your skin, hair and nails
- Issues in sleeping including night sweats and needing to go to the toilet more frequently
- Changes in your weight
- Headaches and migraine
- Fatigue and changes in your energy levels
- Emotional changes including feelings of low mood, anxiety and loss of self confidence
- General aches and pains in your body
- Reduced sex drive and vaginal dryness or discomfort
+ What can help ease the symptoms?
Your GP surgery may provide you with blood tests to check your hormone levels and give you the option of Hormone Replacement Therapy or HRT for short
HRT aims to replenish the hormones that naturally diminish with the menopause. There are different types of HRT your GP will be able to talk you through these options if you feel that HRT is for you.
Local Support
Swansea MIND – Supported Self-Help
Mind guided self-help for menopause focuses on managing symptoms like anxiety, low mood and sleep issues through Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) techniques.
These approaches, which include mindfulness, breathing exercises, and lifestyle adjustments, empower women to understand, manage, and reduce the impact of hormonal changes, often reducing symptoms.
Your practitioner will arrange a weekly call or online session offering support and guidance in your chosen pathway. They will keep in touch with you offering information, workbooks and strategies for you to try.
Family and Therapy
Menopause Matters
A support and discussion group to explore all things peri and menopause.
Venue: Natural Health Centre, Page Street, Swansea or online via Zoom.
When: Every 1st Saturday of the month 10am – 11:30am
£5 donation.
Email: amanda@familyandtherapy.co.uk / Tel: 07546 614644
Neath Port Talbot Mind – Supported Self Help
Mind guided self-help for menopause focuses on managing symptoms like anxiety, low mood and sleep issues through Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) techniques.
These approaches, which include mindfulness, breathing exercises, and lifestyle adjustments, empower women to understand, manage, and reduce the impact of hormonal changes, often reducing symptoms.
Your practitioner will arrange a weekly call or online session offering support and guidance in your chosen pathway. They will keep in touch with you offering information, workbooks and strategies for you to try.
Menopause Support Glynneath, Neath and Port Talbot
Meet up for coffee/tea once a month first Thursday of the month 6.30pm at Glynneath Community Hub.
Warm, friendly atmosphere to discuss your menopause issues.
Additional Information can be found here
NHS – Menopause
Find out more about menopause symptoms, treatment options and available help and support on the NHS page.
The Greene Climateric Scale – Menopause Symptoms
The Greene Scale provides a brief measure of menopause symptoms.
It can be used to assess changes in different symptoms, before and after menopause treatment.
Three main areas are measured:
1. Psychological.
2. Physical.
3. Vasomotor.
British Menopause Society
The BMS educates, informs and guides healthcare professionals, working in both primary and secondary care, on menopause and all aspects of post reproductive health.
Women’s Health Concern
WHC provides a confidential, independent service to advise, inform and reassure women about their gynaecological, sexual and post reproductive health.
Menopause matters
You can find up-to-date, accurate information about the menopause, menopausal symptoms and treatment options.
Menopause cafe
Find out more about the Menopause Café, which raises awareness about the menopause through pop-up café and #Flushfest.
The Menopause Charity
Learn more about menopause through their trusted information resources, approved by the Clinical Advisory Panel.
