Menopause marks the end of a woman’s fertile years and occurs once you stop having your period. Once menopause begins the ovaries start producing lower levels of the reproductive hormones oestrogen and progesterone. The average age for menopause in New Zealand is 51.5 years but it can occur anytime between the ages of 42 and 56.
Perimenopause is the period of five or so years up to the last period when menstruation becomes irregular or occurs less often and eventually ceases. During this time hormone levels change and you may begin to experience changes in your body. After menopause your body achieves a new hormonal balance, however during the transition phase, the changes in hormone levels can have a number of effects on women.
Symptoms
Experiences of menopause vary among individual women and different cultures. How menopause affects individual women is influenced by biological and social factors, including genetics, physical and mental health, diet, lifestyle, and social and cultural attitudes toward older women.
Some of the most common symptoms include:
➜ irregular periods (when periods come closer together or further apart), and when blood flow becomes lighter or heavier
➜ hot flushes
➜ night sweats
➜ headaches and migraines
➜ disturbed sleep patterns
➜ vaginal dryness
➜ joint pain
➜ fatigue
➜ short-term memory problems
➜ dry eyes
➜ dizziness
➜itchy or ‘creepy’ skin
➜ mood swings
➜ anxiety and irritability
➜lower libido or sex drive
➜ difficulty concentrating and making decisions
Managing Menopause and Hormone / Menopause Replacement Therapy
Adequate exercise, a healthy, balanced diet, taking time for rest and relaxation, and smoking cessation can all help address the symptoms of menopause. For information about HRT and MRT please visit: https://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/medicines/m/menopausal-hormone-therapy/
Hot flushes and night sweats
Up to 80% of women experience hot flushes but they tend to go away within one to two years. Common triggers for hot flushes are caffeine, alcohol, and spicy food. Traditional or natural remedies that women have reported to be useful include a diet rich in legumes, grains, nuts and seeds, sage tea, black cohosh, or acupuncture.
Useful links
Health Navigator » Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT)
Menopause – Family Planning » information on managing menopause in New Zealand
Menopause – Mayo Clinic » general information on menopause
NZ Early Menopause Support Group » support group for women in New Zealand experiencing early menopause