Menopause: Act now or miss out

Immediately after attending a seminar regarding numerous benefits of menopause treatment, I called my mum to check whether it was too late for her to begin therapy, I was bitterly disappointed to discover it was. Whilst there is a general understanding of what the menopause is, and how it can dramatically affect women, proper education and misconceptions of both the general public and clinicians alike, result in many missing out on potentially life changing therapy. The fact that there is only a small ‘window of opportunity’ makes education in this topic even more critical. 

In the fifth and sixth decade of life (though this can be earlier) the ovarian production of Oestrogen begins to fluctuate and eventually decline to zero. This means the body is no longer receiving the benefits from Oestrogen exposure, leading to: menstrual cycle discontinuation, increased risk of cardiovascular disease and strokes, osteoporosis and increased potential for fractures, mood changes and cognitive difficulties, libido reduction, hot flushes, and genitourinary symptoms.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and other menopause treatments can safely ameliorate menopause symptoms and restore the benefits of naturally produced Oestrogen. The research on HRT resoundingly indicates the overall benefits outweigh the risks for most patients. General feedback from patients on HRT is also overwhelmingly positive, with most reporting a positive impact on their quality of life. There was, however, a period of controversy, as some studies seemed to suggest a possible cardiovascular risk. It has since been elucidated in further research that these perceived risks were likely a result of participants being initiated on therapy too late, and a consensus has been reached agreeing that HRT does offer an improvement in cardiovascular if started within 10 years of menopause onset. Unfortunately, there seems to have been slowness in the education of clinicians in the updated best practice, resulting in many patients missing out.

If you feel that you, or someone you know, are experiencing symptoms of menopause then have a discussion with a medical professional about the options available to you. At ROC Private Clinic there is a dedicated service for menopause management. In Aberdeen this is run by Dr Jane Johnston who is the only menopause specialist in Northeast Scotland, and in London it is led by Dr Nicola Harrison who has been listed in the Spears’ 500 index of top UK doctors. A comprehensive assessment consisting of extensive history taking, blood testing and imaging (if necessary) is available to ensure an individualized management plan can be made to best suit your needs.

ROC Private Clinic offers a host of other services, delivered by top experts supported by the latest in investigations and imaging technology. These include:

• Annual Well Woman checks to improve general wellbeing, address any medical issues, detect early abnormalities that may require intervention and promote positive lifestyle changes
•  Consultant lead Gynaecology services for the management of general Gynaecology conditions as well as endometriosis, pelvic pain, menstrual disorders, fibroids and ovarian cysts
• Urogynaecology services specializing in management of pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence, with a pelvic floor soon to join the team
• Gut health assessments
• Pregnancy services including Ultrasonography

Written by Dr. Syed Atlaf Aktar

General Practitioner at ROC’s London Clinic

If you have questions about managing symptoms of Menopause get in touch to book a consultation with one of our team of GPs with a special interest in managing the symptoms of Menopause.