The following ‘Ask the Experts’ questions were sent in to The Menopause Exchange by our members, the answers were provided by our ‘Ask the Experts’ panel and included in issue 78 (autumn 2018) of The Menopause Exchange newsletter. If you would like to read the questions and answers in the latest issue of The Menopause Exchange newsletter sign up for FREE emailed newsletters.
The Menopause Exchange Blog
MENOPAUSE ‘ASK THE EXPERTS’ QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
May 22nd, 2019THE MENOPAUSE AT WORK
May 8th, 2019Women usually experience the menopause between the ages of 45 and 55, with 51 being the average age in the UK. The employment rate in the UK has grown substantially for women aged 50 to 64 in recent years. With around 75% of women experiencing menopausal symptoms, which last on average for four to eight years (and sometimes up to ten years), it’s not surprising that the menopause can have a significant effect on women’s working lives.
HRT MYTHS
April 26th, 2019HRT is the most effective treatment for menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats and vaginal dryness. Its use plummeted towards the beginning of this century, following some large clinical trials that suggested using HRT increased the risk of stroke, cardiovascular disease and breast cancer. But over the past decade, further research and reanalysis of the data have revealed that for most women under 60, the benefits of HRT outweigh any risks. However, myths prevail regarding HRT use. This article looks at the research behind HRT to dispel some of these common myths.
MINERALS AT THE MENOPAUSE
February 27th, 2019Minerals are as essential in the diet as vitamins, but often not given as much attention. Surveys show that many women are deficient in several important minerals, and menopausal women are no exception. However, we get too much of certain minerals in our diet and that too can be harmful to our health. Let’s look at some essential minerals and their function in the body:
HAIR LOSS AND HAIR THINNING
February 10th, 2019Ageing is a biological process and should be celebrated. In fact, in many cultures it’s honoured as well, and the knowledge of the elders in the family is highly respected.
A MAN’S GUIDE TO THE MENOPAUSE
January 10th, 2019Research involving married couples found that women with a positive attitude towards the menopause struggled with fewer symptoms. Women also said that their menopausal symptoms were fewer if their partners had a positive attitude. Research on men’s impressions, experiences and attitudes towards their wives going through a natural menopause found that if men had a better understanding of the changes women were experiencing, they were able to provide more emotional support. This, in turn, helped to improve marital relationships. So what do men need to know about the menopause so that they can help and support their partners?
DOES LIFE BEGIN AT THE MENOPAUSE? NORMA GOLDMAN’S VIEW
December 25th, 2018Norma Goldman BPharm. MRPharmS. MSc.
Founder & Director of The Menopause Exchange.
Going through the menopause certainly hasn’t stopped me enjoying life. And I hope my story will inspire and encourage women to ‘have a go’ and take opportunities as they arise.
I have a degree in pharmacy. I obtained a Master’s degree in health promotion and I am a qualified health promotion specialist. In 1999, I founded The Menopause Exchange, which is an independent organisation for anyone with an interest in menopausal issues.
I present talks and seminars on all aspects of the menopause to both women and healthcare professionals. I am highly attuned to the concerns of women facing the menopause and I enjoy meeting them at the talks that I present, interacting with them and hearing about their menopausal experiences. I am often interviewed by journalists for newspapers, journals and magazines.
Since I founded The Menopause Exchange, my life has become more hectic than ever. I am married with two daughters and three grandchildren, so I also enjoy spending time with my family.
MENOPAUSE POEM
November 10th, 2018Boiling Betty and Freezing Freddie
A poem by Roger Bulgin, husband of a member of The Menopause Exchange
Boiling Betty is a woman of a certain age, whose children have grown up and moved away.
Though still an object of desire, her body now creates a different fire.
So when she goes out, her coat stays undone, and she carries a fan in case of the sun.
While Freddie’s collar is up and his cap pulled down, he wears his scarf and gloves while he walks through the town.
For where once Betty’s eggs were laid and hatched, her hormones have left for the coast, their bags all packed.
At night she steams with her sleep often broken, and even in winter the window is left wide open.
While Freddie freezes under blankets and pyjamas, he thinks his wife has gone bananas.
“Freezing Freddie,” she calls in her night sweats, “if you’re cold, just go put on another vest!”
So while Freddie shivers like ice beneath the duvet, Betty sizzles like a pancake on Shrove Tuesday.
“I’m boiling,” cries Betty. “I think I’m on fire!” “I’m freezing,” thinks Freddie. “Can we turn the heating higher?”
So like all good marriages built on give and take, they moved to the middle of the bed to arbitrate.
Where Betty is embraced by Freddie’s cooling arms, and Freddie is warmed by Betty’s enduring charms.
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MENOPAUSE CLINICS
October 16th, 2016Most women with menopausal symptoms are seen and successfully treated by their GP or practice nurse. However, sometimes they may need to go to a menopause clinic for special advice. This may be because they have had breast cancer, have medical conditions that make treatment difficult or have experienced a premature menopause. Sometimes a menopause clinic can offer treatments not available to GPs.
If you currently attend, or have attended, a menopause clinic (NHS/private), or you work at a menopause clinic, please email norma@menopause-exchange.co.uk with the clinic’s name and address details.