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Experts caution against overly medicalizing the natural process of menopause, emphasizing that it is not a disease.
According to experts from the Royal Women’s Hospital in Melbourne, Australia, and King’s College London, the majority of women undergo menopause without requiring medical interventions.
According to a statement, affluent nations like the UK typically view menopause as a medical issue or a hormone deficiency disorder that poses long-term health hazards, and suggest that the best solution is hormone replacement therapy.
They debated the insufficiency of data regarding the direct link between menopause and health issues, and the potential role of aging in these problems.
They stated that while bone density decreases after menopause, it is unclear if reaching menopause at the average age leads to an increased risk for other chronic illnesses like diabetes, dementia, or cardiovascular disease.
The initial article in a series published in Lancet about menopause stated that while addressing symptoms is crucial, approaching menopause solely from a medical perspective may result in disempowerment for women. This can lead to excessive treatment and ignoring potential positive impacts, such as improved mental health as one ages and no longer having to deal with menstruation, menstrual disorders, and birth control.
The group stated that discerning the effects of menopause on women can pose challenges due to potential overlap with other life responsibilities, such as child-rearing, employment, and caring for elderly relatives.
According to the speakers, problems commonly attributed to menopause, including mood changes, brain function, and sexual difficulties, could be exacerbated or triggered by stressful life events.
instead, they advocated for a “fresh perspective” on menopause that focuses on “empowering health”, granting women the understanding, “assurance and autonomy” to take charge of their own health and make well-informed choices.
They suggested there are other methods for dealing with symptoms such as hot flushes, including cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and hypnosis, arguing that CBT has been shown to have a small to moderate effect on cutting hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbance, depression, anxiety and fatigue.
It is important for medical professionals to consider factors like women’s habits, including sleep patterns, alcohol consumption, and smoking, that can exacerbate symptoms.
are:
The physical symptoms of menopause, as stated by the NHS, include:
Typical physical signs of menopause and perimenopause include: Having trouble falling or staying asleep due to night sweats can lead to fatigue and irritability during the day. You may experience palpitations, where your heartbeats suddenly feel more pronounced and faster in pace. Modified body shape and increased weight. Changes in the skin such as dryness and itchiness. Dryness and discomfort in the vaginal area, along with pain, itching, or discomfort during sexual activity. Repeated bouts of UTIs Symptoms such as tooth sensitivity, sore gums, or other oral discomfort may signal inadequate dental care.
According to experts, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may enhance sleep and cognitive functions in women who use it for managing hot flashes. However, it is not expected to have any impact on women who do not experience hot flashes.
Although it reduces the chances of bone fractures, research indicates that these advantages may diminish after five years of discontinuing HRT.
According to experts, if women are considering HRT, medical professionals should offer truthful information about the expected outcomes of the treatment, the chance of any lingering symptoms, and the likelihood of symptoms returning if treatment is discontinued.
A subsequent publication in the Lancet series concluded that there is no indication of a heightened likelihood of mental health issues among women experiencing menopause.
According to limited information, we did not discover convincing proof that the risk of anxiety, bipolar disorder, or psychosis is consistently increased during menopause transition, stated the research group.
Co-author Professor Martha Hickey of the University of Melbourne and Royal Women’s Hospital emphasized the need to challenge the common belief that menopause always leads to a decline in physical and mental health. This misconception often frames menopause as a medical issue, but it should be addressed in all facets of society.
After reaching menopause, numerous women continue to have fulfilling lives, taking on responsibilities in the workplace, for their families, and in society as a whole.
Rethinking the way we approach menopause as a natural part of aging could help women feel more empowered while navigating this phase of life and alleviate any apprehension for those who have not yet undergone it.
During the briefing, she stated that the team’s argument is that “menopause is not a disease.”
She expressed that this disease is often viewed as a sign of decline and deterioration in older women, due to society’s intense focus on aging.
According to Dr. Lydia Brown of the University of Melbourne, while it is true that certain women may have highly unpleasant menopause symptoms and find relief through hormone therapy, this is not the complete story.
The truth is more intricate and diverse, as women have shared both neutral and positive experiences. Some have noted positives like being menstruation and menstrual pain-free, while others have had different experiences.
There is currently a focus on menopause in society, and this presents a chance for it to be acknowledged as a normal aspect of women’s healthy aging. With proper readiness and assistance, menopause does not have to be feared.
from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has recommended that women receive talking therapy through the NHS to address menopause symptoms.
Dr. Louise Newson, a General Practitioner and an expert in menopause who runs Newson Health, stated that menopause is not just a set of symptoms. Rather, it is a condition that affects the heart, metabolism, and inflammation, leading to a higher risk of developing various diseases.
“Menopause has been ‘medicalised’ for years – including with antidepressants, antipsychotics, painkillers, sleeping tablets, anticholinergics to treat bladder symptoms, and heart medications to lower cholesterol, reduce blood pressure and control palpitations.
The primary therapy for easing menopausal symptoms is body-identical hormone replacement therapy.
Research has demonstrated that providing women with the appropriate amount and kind of hormones can lead to a decrease in symptoms and a reduced likelihood of developing various chronic inflammatory conditions related to menopause, such as diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, dementia, and depression. These findings also suggest a lower mortality rate.
She stated: “Acknowledging menopause as a ‘natural transition’ or a component of ‘healthy aging’ disregards the actual pain experienced by numerous women dealing with menopausal symptoms.”
Source: independent.co.uk
