SO WHAT DO WE NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MENOPAUSE? The onset of menopausal symptoms usually happens in a woman’s mid to late forties (according to the NHS website, 1% of women will experience it before the age of 40, and just 0.1% before the age of 30). As a normal part of the ageing process, menopause happens to every woman, but the way it affects us can vary from person to person. At the root of menopausal symptoms are hormonal changes, particularly a drop in oestrogen, which stop ovulation and menstruation. These can lead to various troublesome symptoms, from fatigue, low libido, stress incontinence and hair loss, to hot flushes – a classic symptom which 70% of perimenopausal women experience. Weight gain is also a common effect. This may be because our fat cells, especially those in the hips, thighs and lower abdomen, can also produce oestrogen. In response to falling oestrogen levels, the body may act by trying to lay down more fat. Our weight can also be affected by changes in appetite as a result of stress and lack of sleep.
Posted on: Tue, 11 Jun 2013 02:20:29 +0000
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