Welfare Wednesday

Welcome back to Women’s Health Month!

Last Friday marked World Menopause day, so this week we are focusing on what it is and raising awareness around the signs and symptoms.. there are two parts to this stage of a women’s life, perimenopause and menopause

Perimenopause

This is when you have symptoms of menopause but your periods have not stopped. Perimenopause ends and you reach menopause when you have not had a period for 12 months.

Menopause

This is when your periods stop due to lower hormone levels. It usually affects women between the ages of 45-55, however it can begin earlier.

Symptoms

These can have a huge impact on your daily life including relationships, social life, family life and work. It can feel different for everyone, you may have a number of symptoms or none at all

🩷 Changes to your period - the first sign is usually a change in the normal pattern

🩷 Changes in your mood - anxiety, low self esteem

🩷 Problems with memory or concentration - brain fog

🩷 Hot flushes

🩷 Difficulty sleeping

🩷 Palpitations

🩷 Headaches and Migraines

🩷 Muscle and joint pains

🩷 Change in body shape/weight gain

🩷 Skin changes

🩷 Reduced sex drive

🩷 Vaginal dryness/pain

🩷 Recurrent UTIs

🩷 Sensitive teeth/painful gums

These symptoms can last for months or years and change over time. For example, you may have hot flushes which improve and then you may develop low mood.

It is so important to educate yourself with this topic early no matter your gender so you can support yourself or someone in your life. Please read the NHS website for more information on things you can do, support and treatment options, or make an appointment to chat with your GP.

Remember - you are not alone

The Welfare Team 🩷