MOOD AND THE MENOPAUSE
The menopause is not just about hot flushes and the end of menstrual
periods. Many women complain of feeling tired, irritable, even depressed.
Their moods change quickly, and without obvious cause. It's a common
problem, and one which doctors are taking more and more seriously.
Irritability, depression, bad temper mood changes which so many women
complain of when they reach the menopause. Yet the truth is that while
emotional changes certainly do take place at this time, doctors are still
unsure if the menopause itself is the actual cause. They know that mood changes
take place and they know that hormone changes take place. But what they can't
do is provide a certain link between the two.
Women suffering the symptoms of irritability and depression at the menopause
need no convincing. For them, the change of life is a change for the worse and
good enough reason to seek medical help.
The menopause
The menopause is actually that brief time when a women's reproductive life
comes to an end. It's the time when the ovaries produce no more eggs, and when
release of the hormone oestrogen comes to an end. This change of life is marked
by the end of menstrual periods.
The symptoms which many suffer at the menopause are primarily a result of
oestrogen deficiency. They may be short term like the bone thinning disease
osteoporosis they may be physical or psychological, general or more localised.
But whatever their nature, doctors seem now agreed that menopausal symptoms
justify treatment. The menopause does mark the end of reproductive life, but it
needn't signal any other change.
Hormone replacement therapy
Because emotional symptoms might well be related to changing hormone levels
and because moods usually improve when other symptoms go away HRT, which
replaces the body's lost oestrogen, often brings great relief. Indeed, so many
women have said how much better they feel on HRT that this is often sufficient
reason for prescribing it.
For example, following one study of new HRT at Guy's Hospital in London,
consultant gynaecologist Dr Janice Rymer said that about 70 per cent of
patients in the study spontaneously said how much better they felt. And this
was borne out scientifically when we measured scores for fatigue, memory,
concentration and sleep, said Dr Rymer.
All kinds of HRT, however, tablets, skin patches, and implants might be
prescribed. Women who have had a hysterectomy normally need no other hormone
but oestrogen women who still have a womb must tackle a short course of
progestrogen each month.
This will cause a return to monthly periods.
The very latest forms of HRT combine the effects of oestrogen and
progestrogen in a single tablet without the need for monthly bleeding.
Not all women are suitable for HRT, and doctors can offer advice about this.
Generally, regular exercise and a healthy diet and lifestyle will help keep
the body in good shape which often improves moods, at any time of life.
Who can help?
HRT is a prescription medicine and can only be prescribed by a doctor.
GPs and doctors at well women and family planning clinics are now well
experienced in treating all problems associated with the menopause. Your
medical history and a few checks will indicate if you are suitable for HRT, and
if this is the right solution for your emotional problems.
Several health centres and hospital departments have now set up specialist
menopause clinics, which can offer advice in more difficult cases.
In addition, the following organisations might be useful for advice.
Women's Health Concern
83 Earl's Court Road
London
W8 6EF
Amarant Trust
56 Britton Street
London
EC1M 5NA
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