Menopause

Menopause means “the end of monthly cycles”. Menopause normally happens between the ages of 45-55. If you haven’t had a period for 12 months, you may have reached menopause.

At menopause, your oestrogen levels drop, your ovaries stop releasing eggs, and your period stops. 

If menopause begins before the age of 40, it is called premature menopause. Premature menopause can run in families, or be caused by an infection, immune disorder, or chromosomal variation. Smoking has been linked to premature menopause. Surgical removal of the ovaries, or some cancer treatments, can cause premature menopause. Symptoms can be more severe and sudden in those cases.

Perimenopause is the stage of menopause before the period actually stops. During this stage periods often change. They may become heavier, lighter, longer, shorter, or more irregular. This stage can last a year or more. If you have heavy bleeding that is causing problems in your life, you may be able to have treatment to help with this — book an appointment with us. 
 
Symptoms of menopause include: 

• Night sweats  
• Sleep problems 
• Hot flushes 
• Vaginal dryness which can lead to painful sex  
• Itchy skin 
• Loss of libido 
• Mood changes  

You may experience all, some, or none of these symptoms. 

Learn more about menopause

Menopause hormone therapy (MHT) is an effective treatment for menopause.

• MHT replaces the oestrogen — and sometimes the progesterone — that your body is now producing very little of
• The MHT prescribed at menopause is very similar to the hormone replacement therapy (HRT) prescribed to many trans women and trans femmes — who also produce very little oestrogen and progesterone
• MHT comes as pills, creams, or patches. If you've had a hysterectomy, you don’t need progesterone — but you can use oestrogen
• If you have a uterus, it's important that you use both oestrogen and progesterone for your MHT

Some people use alternative therapies to help with the symptoms of menopause. There's not a lot of evidence or scientific information available on the safety or effectiveness of alternative menopause treatments. It’s a good idea to talk to a medical professional before beginning any alternative therapies.

If you want to talk about starting menopause treatment, including hormone therapy, you have two options.

You can make an appointment with Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa by calling us on 07 810 6610. 

Note that these appointments are in high demand and there is a wait time to be seen. Standard appointment fees apply. 

Another option is to look at Menopause Wellbeing, our newly launched online clinic.

You can book your Menopause Wellbeing appointment online or call us on  07 810 6823. Note that private charges apply for this clinic.