MENOPAUSE is the permanent cessation of regular menstrual cycles (officially one year menstruation-free). The PERI-MENOPAUSAL period describes the transition phase between having normal cycles to having irregular menstrual cycles, this phase usually lasts anywhere from 3-5 years. ANDROPAUSE is an unofficial term often used to describe the decline in hormone levels experienced in men.

With a decline in hormone levels, many will experience some undesirable symptoms…

These may include:

VASOMOTOR SYMPTOMS : headaches, night sweats, hot flushes/flashes, palpitations

COGNITIVE SYMPTOMS : lack of concentration, 'foggy' thought patterns

EMOTIONAL SYMPTOMS : irritability, depression, anxiety, loss of libido

PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS : lethargy, insomnia (difficulty sleeping), dyspareunia (painful intercourse), vaginal atrophy (shrinkage) and dryness, urinary problems, raised cholesterol, increased risk of fracture and osteoporosis.

TESTING HORMONE LEVELS IN THE BODY:

Hormone levels may be tested when you visit your doctor, by either a blood test or a saliva test. From these results you will be prescribed the necessary hormone replacement to balance the various hormones to relieve the symptoms you may have.