What is Menopause?

Menopause — what is it?

The menopause occurs when your ovaries no longer produce eggs and, as a result, the levels of hormones called oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone fall. The average age in Ireland for menopause is 51. 

Oestrogen is an important hormone for our health and wellbeing. We have oestrogen receptors throughout our bodies and low levels can have an impact in many different ways. In particular, we know that the risk of heart disease (cardiovascular disease) and brittle bone disease (osteoporosis) rise significantly when we lose oestrogen. 

Perimenopause is the time before the menopause when your periods change (they can be lighter/ heavier/ more or less frequent) and reflect a change and fluctuation in the production of hormones from your ovaries. Symptoms often start around the age of 45. 

The fluctuation of these hormones can lead to PMS-type symptoms which come and go.  What symptoms you experience and how long they persist depends on many different things including your family history.  Every woman is different. 

There are many different ways of managing these health risks and symptoms. 

The most effective treatment for symptoms of the menopause is to replace the hormones your body no longer produces. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) contains oestrogen, a progestogen (or progesterone) if required, and in some cases, testosterone.

HRT also protects your future health from osteoporosis, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. For most women the benefits of taking HRT outweigh any risks.

There are also non-hormonal medications that can be helpful.

Other ways to minimise a negative impact of the menopause on your health and wellbeing is to make some healthy changes to your lifestyle by cutting out smoking and reducing alcohol, taking regular exercise that keeps your heart healthy and your bones strong, and eating a well balanced diet.