CW fashion and beauty editor Anja de Rozario asks an expert the tricky questions around menopause, so you don’t have to.
Dr Natasha Andreadis, known as Dr Tash through her podcast, book club, and YouTube channel, is one of the most popular fertility specialists/gynaecologists in Sydney and is here with all the answers.
- When am I going to go through menopause?
The average Australian woman will go through menopause around the age of 51. ‘Menopause’ refers to when a woman hasn’t had her period in over a year, while the five to 10 years leading up to this point is called ‘perimenopause,’ which is when the well-known symptoms tend to occur.
- Can I prevent or delay menopause?
Menopause is a completely natural stage of life. Perimenopausal symptoms can happen at any age, although typically begin in your 40s. Unfortunately, menopause can’t be prevented or delayed, but it can be managed through lifestyle changes and medicine.
- What’s the difference between perimenopause and menopause?
In the years leading up to menopause, your periods become infrequent, and you may notice other symptoms like hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, joint pain, and fatigue. During this time, the estrogen in your body is decreasing, which is why your periods become more infrequent. Typically, your symptoms reduce significantly when you move onto the menopausal stage.
- What symptoms can I expect and how do I manage them?
Every woman will experience menopause differently. Some women may face intense symptoms that last for years, whilst others may not even notice. Always speak to a healthcare practitioner and don’t feel the need to just “put up” with it. You can significantly improve your menopausal symptoms by embracing a more natural and holistic daily routine with exercise, diet, and meditation.
- What do I do if I’m having a hot flush in public?
Hot flushes can be a very uncomfortable experience for women, particularly in public. A hot flush is when your body is suddenly overcome with a wave of intense heat, normally in your face and upper body. A great way to combat this in public is to always carry a small fan with you in your bag, or keep at your desk, that you can turn on quickly. Many women find it helpful to layer their clothing so that they have the opportunity to take some off, allowing their body to cool down.
- Will I gain weight when I experience menopause?
Because your body is losing estrogen during menopause, this can sometimes influence the way your body distributes fat, meaning some women may experience weight gain. While it’s not something to get concerned about, it is encouraged that women maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine, as this will assist in keeping your weight on track, but also help reduce the severity of other symptoms.
- Will I experience the same symptoms as my mum/sister/aunty?
The old adage of “getting your mother’s menopause” is true. Genetic factors do play a large role in the timing and severity of your menopause, however environmental and lifestyle factors also play a part, such as smoking and later-in-life pregnancy.
- Will menopause ruin my sex life?
A lesser reported symptom of menopause in women is a decreased libido or sex drive, resulting from the erratic hormone changes in your body. While this can be quite distressing for many women, it doesn’t have to negatively impact your sex life. Being open and honest with your partner about how you’re feeling is essential, as well as finding other ways to make intimacy enjoyable for both of you.
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