The cause? Menopause.
Most Australian women will experience menopause between the ages of 45 and 55, however symptoms of menopause can start up to 10 years prior to that transition (perimenopause). Once hormone levels start to become more erratic or decline, women may experience a range of symptoms including changes in mood, sleep, sexual and urinary dysfunction, cognition (such as brain fog), muscle and joint pain, and feeling uncomfortably hot throughout day and night. Unfortunately many women have been medically ‘gaslit’ when describing these symptoms to their Medical providers.
Three key hormones play a role in these symptoms. Estrogen is a potent anti-inflammatory and lubricant for the vagina and joints; it also plays a role in temperature regulation and brain health and impacts mood and sleep. Natural progesterone is transformed into a calming agent in the brain, and can help with sleep and mood (unlike the synthetic progestogens in the oral contraceptive pill which don’t have this effect) and also will keep your uterine lining healthy. Testosterone, long thought of as the ‘male hormone’, is vital for women in building muscle mass, cognitive functioning, energy and sexual desire.
The average life expectancy for women just 120 years ago was 57. In 2024, women are more likely to live into their 80’s however our bodies (from an evolutionary perspective) are still the same. We weren’t designed to live 30 years without these essential hormones. Starting body identical hormone therapy within a 10 year window of menopause means that we can better prevent heart disease, osteoporosis, muscle loss, mental health deterioration – in addition to giving relief from the symptoms listed above.
We have started a dedicated Menopause and Wellbeing service to help women find answers and effective treatments for this time in their lives. We welcome all women with suspected menopausal symptoms, whether in post or perimenopausal or women with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency. We also treat Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. For women who are unable to take hormonal therapy, we can discuss different options available to provide them with relief from their menopausal symptoms.
You are not crazy, you are not too young, you do not need to suffer – we hear you!