What is the Menopause? Menopause is when the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone reduce in the female body causing a variety of possible unpleasant symptoms, including; Vaginal dryness Mood swings Hot flushes Hormone Replacement Therapy treatments (HRT) are designed to replace these hormones, reducing the uncomfortable symptoms of menopause. During menopause, a woman’s ovaries stop releasing an egg every month causing her to no longer have her monthly menstrual (period) cycle and will no longer be able to have any children.   Menopause Symptoms The hormone Oestrogen is responsible for releasing eggs from the ovaries as well as regulating a woman’s period. It also plays a role in controlling skin temperature, bone density and keeping the vagina moist. The drop in oestrogen levels is responsible for most of the symptoms associated with menopause. These include: Vaginal dryness Reduction or loss of libido (sex drive) Osteoporosis (resulting from the bones becoming less dense) Hot flushes Night sweats Stress incontinence (a leaking of urine when a sufferer coughs or sneezes) These symptoms usually pass within two to five years but vaginal dryness and stress incontinence can continue and possibly get worse if not treated. Progesterone is responsible for preparing the womb for pregnancy and reduction of the levels of this hormone in the body doesn’t produce symptoms of menopause. It is given alongside Oestrogen in most HRT treatments as giving Oestrogen alone increases the patients chances of getting endometrial cancer. Taking a combined HRT reduces this risk.   What HRT treatments are available?   Oestrogen-only HRT: Only recommended for women who have had a hysterectomy.   Cyclical HRT: is recommended for those suffering the symptoms of menopause but who are still experiencing their periods. There are two different types: Monthly cyclical HRT - oestrogen is taken every day. Progestogen is taken at the end of your period for 12-14 days. Recommended for women who still have regular periods. Three monthly cyclical HRT - oestrogen taken every day and progestogen for 12-14 days, every 13 weeks. Recommended for women who have irregular periods.   Continuous combined HRT treatment: This form of HRT treatment is recommended for post-menopausal women. A woman is classed as being post-menopausal if they haven’t had a period for a year. Continuous combined HRT treatment involves taken oestrogen and progestogen every day without a break. It is advised that women who are on HRT long-term should consider using topical treatments, such as gels or patches, as the risk of developing more serious side effects (cancers, osteoporosis) is much lower than taking treatment orally.   Can I prevent the symptoms of Menopause?   There are lifestyle measures that can be taken that will help reduce symptoms, including: Regular exercise. Shown to reduce symptoms of hot flushes and improve your quality of sleep. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and spicy foods; triggers for hot flushes.. Stay cool at night. Wear loose clothes and sleeping in a well-ventilated areas reduce flushing. Quit smoking. Reduces hot flushes and the risk of developing heart disease and cancer. Herbal remedies such as Black Cohosh, Red Clover, Ginseng and Evening Primrose Oil are reported to have some effect in reducing hot flushes and mood swings. Read more about menopause and Women's Health here on our blog.