Many women assume that menopause symptoms are something to be endured, yet a great deal can be done to ease them. Symptoms such as hot flushes and poor sleep can be helped, as can low mood and vaginal discomfort. The right approach is different for every woman, and it may involve lifestyle changes and talking therapy, as well as medical treatment where it suits you. Mr Nicholas Morris, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, assesses menopausal symptoms and discusses the options that are right for you.
Do I have to put up with menopause symptoms?
Absolutely not! Menopause is a natural stage, though that does not mean you have to struggle through its symptoms without help. Some women have few symptoms, while others find them disruptive enough to affect their sleep and daily life. Help is available at every level, and it is worth seeking rather than enduring symptoms in silence. For a fuller explanation of what menopause and perimenopause are, and the early signs, our companion guide covers them in detail.
Which lifestyle changes can help?
Simple lifestyle measures can ease many menopause symptoms, and they support your longer-term health too. Regular exercise, including weight-bearing activity such as walking or dancing, can help with hot flushes and sleep, while also lifting mood and protecting your bones. A balanced diet with enough calcium supports bone health, and cutting down on caffeine and alcohol can reduce hot flushes and night sweats. Stopping smoking helps as well, as smoking can make symptoms worse.
What treatment options are available?
Where symptoms are more troublesome, several treatments can help, and a specialist can talk through what suits you. Hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, is the main medical treatment for hot flushes and night sweats, and it can also help protect bone health. HRT is not right for everyone, so the benefits and any risks are weighed up individually with a specialist. For women who cannot take HRT, or prefer not to, non-hormonal prescription options and menopause-specific cognitive behavioural therapy can also help.
The table below shows some common symptoms and the kinds of approaches that can help, all of which a specialist can tailor to you.
| Symptom | Approaches that may help |
|---|---|
| Hot flushes and night sweats | Lifestyle changes, HRT, a non-hormonal prescription option, or cognitive behavioural therapy |
| Low mood or anxiety | Exercise and cognitive behavioural therapy, with HRT where appropriate |
| Sleep problems | A regular sleep routine, less caffeine, and cognitive behavioural therapy |
| Vaginal dryness and discomfort | Topical vaginal oestrogen, with non-hormonal moisturisers or lubricants |
| Bladder changes and recurrent infections | Specialist assessment, as topical vaginal oestrogen can help some women |
| Bone health | Weight-bearing exercise and enough calcium, with HRT where suitable |
What can help vaginal dryness and urinary symptoms?
Vaginal dryness and discomfort, along with urinary changes, are among the most under-discussed menopause symptoms, as oestrogen levels fall and the delicate tissues change. These symptoms tend to persist rather than settle on their own, though effective treatments are available. Topical vaginal oestrogen is commonly used, and it can be combined with non-hormonal moisturisers or lubricants, with options a specialist can tailor to you. There is no reason to live with discomfort of this kind when help is straightforward. Mr Morris also offers MonaLisa Touch, a vaginal laser treatment, and he can explain whether it might suit you and what the current evidence shows.
What support is there for mood and sleep?
Low mood and anxiety, along with broken sleep, are common during the menopause, and they often improve with the right support. Menopause-specific cognitive behavioural therapy can help with low mood and sleep problems, as well as hot flushes, and it can be used alongside other treatments. Regular exercise and a steady sleep routine help too, as does reducing caffeine late in the day. Where low mood is affecting your daily life, it is worth discussing with a specialist, as several approaches can help. HRT may also help to ease low mood when it arises as a result of the menopause, and a specialist can discuss whether it suits you.
When should you see a specialist?
There is no need to wait until symptoms feel unbearable before seeking help. It is worth seeing a specialist if your symptoms are affecting your daily life or your sleep, or if you are unsure which treatment is right for you. A specialist can explain the options and tailor a plan to your symptoms and your health. Mr Morris takes time to understand how menopause is affecting you, and explains which approach suits you best.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to take HRT for menopause?
No. HRT is one option, and it helps many women, though lifestyle changes and cognitive behavioural therapy, as well as non-hormonal treatments, can also help.
What can help with vaginal dryness?
Topical vaginal oestrogen is commonly used, and non-hormonal moisturisers or lubricants can help as well, with options a specialist can tailor to you. Mr Morris also offers MonaLisa Touch, a vaginal laser treatment.
Can anything help menopausal low mood and poor sleep?
Yes. Menopause-specific cognitive behavioural therapy and regular exercise can help, as can a steady sleep routine, and a specialist can advise on further options.
How soon can I see Mr Morris?
Mr Morris offers assessment for menopause, usually within 24 to 48 hours, in person or online.
Speak to Mr Morris
You do not have to struggle through menopause, and the right support can make daily life far more comfortable. Mr Morris assesses your symptoms and explains the options available to you. He also answers any questions or concerns you have along the way. Appointments are usually available within 24 to 48 hours, in person at his Harley Street and West London clinics, or online. To arrange an assessment, call 020 8371 1510 or email secretary@rapidaccessgynaecology.co.uk.