Are you noticing more signs of menopause?

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According to the team of senior gynaecologists at The London PMS & Menopause Clinic, there are now well over thirty common symptoms of the menopause being reported by patients. The Top Ten reasons to be happy about HRT (see below) are already well documented, but it seems the list is growing rapidly.

1. HRT will stop your hot flushes and sweats
2. Oestrogens will treat vaginal dryness and many causes of painful intercourse and lack of libido
3. HRT increases the bone density and prevents osteoporotic fractures
4. HRT protects the intervertebral discs
5. HRT does reduce the number of heart attacks
6. Oestrogens help depression in many women
7. HRT  improves libido
8. HRT improves the texture of the skin
9. "I am a nicer person to live with"
10. HRT is safe

It may well be that factors such as pandemic lockdown, furlough from work and more time at home has resulted in us also having more time to reflect and become increasingly self-aware.

Some of the less well known symptoms summarised in the article - The 34 symptoms of the menopause, include:

Number 11 Digestive problems

Hormonal changes can lead to IBS-type symptoms, such as stomach upsets bloating, indigestion, constipation, diarrhoea and cramps. However, you should always talk to a doctor about this, as bloating and pain may be a symptom of other more serious conditions, including ovarian cancer.

Number 12 Electric shocks

Oestrogen plays an important role in in your brain. It’s believed that seesawing hormone levels can cause an electric shock type sensation.

and,

Number 24 Dizzy spells

As the level of the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone change they can have an effect on circulation and blood vessels. The resulting fluctuations in blood pressure can cause dizziness. 

However, despite the increasing list of symptoms, the really good news for women is that appropriate and individualised treatment is increasingly available. Furthermore, medical consultant-led clinics can provide remote consultations for many patients.