Could it be Menopause?

2 speakers

About

Understanding the Importance of Including Menopause in Over-40 Health Checks

Menopause is a significant transition in a woman's life, typically beginning in the mid-forties, but it can start earlier. The transition, known as perimenopause, leads to menopause, which is marked by the cessation of menstrual periods for 12 months. Post-menopause follows, continuing for the rest of a woman's life. Recognising the onset of menopause is crucial due to its subtle symptoms, which can significantly impact quality of life and long-term health.

The Over-40 Health Check: A Critical Assessment for Men and Women

The over-40 health check, available to individuals between the ages of 40 and 74, is a preventive measure provided by general practitioners or local authorities every five years. It is designed for those without pre-existing conditions or specific risk factors already under medical supervision. This comprehensive check includes assessments for major health issues such as heart disease, dementia, type 2 diabetes, and chronic kidney disease.

During the check, various measurements and tests are conducted:

Blood pressure, height, and weight are measured.
Lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol intake, diet, and exercise are evaluated.
Family medical history is reviewed.
Screening for depression and memory issues may be conducted.
Blood tests, which can vary regionally, typically include cholesterol levels, kidney function, and HbA1c for diabetes monitoring.

Why Menopause Should Be Included in Health Checks

Incorporating menopause into the over-40 health check is vital for several reasons:

Early Symptom Recognition: Many women do not realize that symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, or memory difficulties are related to menopause. Early recognition can alleviate unnecessary anxiety and provide a pathway to appropriate treatment.
Risk Management: Menopause increases the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease. Early detection and management of these risks can lead to better long-term health outcomes.
Educational Benefits: Understanding the normal age range for menopause (45-55 years, with an average age of 51) helps in identifying women who may be entering menopause earlier than usual, allowing for timely interventions.

The Difference Between Perimenopause and Menopause

Perimenopause is the phase marking the onset of the menopause transition, characterized by irregular periods and fluctuating symptoms due to hormonal changes. Menopause itself is a specific point in time, identified after a woman has not had a period for 12 months. Understanding this distinction is crucial for appropriate symptom management and treatment.

Addressing Surgical and Medical Menopause

Surgical menopause occurs when the ovaries are removed, often due to cancer prevention or treatment, causing a sudden drop in estrogen levels. Medical menopause can result from treatments like chemotherapy or radiotherapy. These conditions can lead to more severe symptoms and increased long-term health risks, making awareness and appropriate treatment essential.

Comprehensive Symptom Overview

Menopause can cause a wide array of symptoms, affecting nearly every part of the body:

Vasomotor Symptoms: Hot flashes, night sweats.
Physical Symptoms: Joint aches, palpitations, headaches, skin dryness.
Psychological Symptoms: Anxiety, mood changes, depression.
Cognitive Symptoms: Memory issues and concentration difficulties.
Sexual Function: Loss of libido, vaginal dryness.

Recognising these symptoms early can prevent misdiagnosis and ensure that women receive the most effective treatment, such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), rather than treatments for conditions with similar symptoms like depression or anxiety.

Conclusion

The inclusion of menopause in the over-40 health check is not just a health measure but a necessary step towards empowering women with knowledge about their bodies. This awareness enables them to seek appropriate care and support, leading to healthier, more informed decisions about their health as they age.

With thanks to Theramex UK for funding our 40+ Campaign

Speakers

Clare Spencer

Dr

Dr Clare Spencer is a registered menopause specialist and an NHS GP. She qualified from Cambridge University and holds Membership of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Membership of the Royal College of General Practitioners. She initially trained in obstetrics and gynaecology, where she gained a Doctor of Medicine for research in fetomaternal medicine. As well as her role of Clinical Director at My Menopause Centre, she currently runs an NHS menopause service and is a GP partner in a practice in Leeds. She is also a British Menopause Society menopause trainer and is involved in educating GPs about the menopause transition through talks, lectures and seminars. Dr Spencer has written menopause training modules and pathways for doctors.net, the Primary Care Women’s Health forum publication, Her Life Her Health, and the Leeds Teaching Hospital Trust. While working as a GP she noticed a need for increased awareness and understanding of the menopause transition amongst her patients. As well as her own challenging menopause experience, she could see how their menopause symptoms were having a detrimental impact on all aspects of their lives and decided to qualify as a Menopause GP. Through her clinical work and being co-founder of My Menopause Centre, Clare is passionate about educating, empowering and supporting all women through all stages of their menopause transition.

Alice Smellie

Ms

Writer and health journalist Alice Smellie is co-author of Cracking the Menopause with Mariella Frostrup. She has written and spoken about menopause on a large number of platforms, including major newspaper titles and podcasts, as well as working with key campaigners to highlight the cause.