Here are some ‘Ask the Experts’ questions and answers from issue 93 (Summer 2022) of The Menopause Exchange newsletter. Are there any new prescription products that can help hot flushes and night sweats? HRT is available in various regimens and forms, and your healthcare professional will advise on which types are most suitable for you. A new HRT, recently licensed in the UK for menopause symptom control, is called Bijuve. This product is suitable for postmenopausal women; these are women who have been naturally bleed free for a year or more before starting on HRT. Each capsule of Bijuve conta ..read more

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a loss of ovarian function before the age of 40. A natural menopause occurs in most women between the ages of 45 and 55, and POI affects about one in 100 women. It used to be known as a ‘premature menopause’ or ‘premature ovarian failure’. POI occurs when the ovaries stop making normal levels of oestrogen and may not make any eggs. This article was included in issue 93 (summer 2022) of The Menopause Exchange newsletter. What are the symptoms of POI?With POI, women may notice their periods become infrequent or stop. They may also have other symptoms, suc ..read more

Eye health can change as people get older. These changes, such as needing reading glasses, occur in both women and men, often around the age of 40 to 50, which coincides with the time of the menopause. Also around the time of the menopause, eye shape can change slightly, making contact lenses less comfortable. Discomfort wearing lenses can also be caused by ‘dry eye’. This article was included in issue 93 (summer 2022) of The Menopause Exchange newsletter. Presbyopia Presbyopia is the gradual loss of the eye’s ability to focus on near objects. It’s a natural but annoying part of getting older ..read more

Awareness that Vitamin D isn’t just for bones has increased dramatically during the pandemic, thanks to a renewed focus on its role in immunity. Vitamin D is, in fact, not a vitamin at all, but acts like a hormone with extensive roles in many bodily processes, including immunity, bone and teeth health, pain management, and even emotional health. This article was included in issue 93 (summer 2022) of The Menopause Exchange newsletter. So it’s definitely worth thinking about vitamin D not only in terms of your health and wellbeing during the menopause, but also for the long term health of you, y ..read more

Here are some ‘Ask the Experts’ questions and answers from issue 92 (Spring 2022) of The Menopause Exchange newsletter. Does HRT reduce or prevent osteoarthritis?Osteoarthritis is a degenerative change affecting the cartilage at the end of bones. We know that there are oestrogen receptors in cartilage, and we know that oestrogen has a positive effect on collagen (which is a structural protein). In theory, oestrogen should be beneficial to bones. Anecdotally, we know that many women with aches and pains find that these ease or even resolve with HRT. We don’t have robust research evidence to say ..read more

Women going through the menopause may wish to explore different options for controlling menopause symptoms such as nights sweats, hot flushes and mood swings. In recent years, so-called ‘natural’ or bioidentical hormones have gained popularity as ‘natural’ and safe alternatives to standard HRT to control hormonal imbalances. However, the information on them can be confusing and occasionally misleading. This article was included in issue 93 (summer 2022) of The Menopause Exchange newsletter. Bioidentical hormones have been marketed as being gentler on a woman’s body, and some well-known celebri ..read more

Around 80% of women experience menopausal symptoms but fewer than 10% currently take HRT to ease hot flushes and night sweats. This may be due to a fear of taking hormones or having contraindications to their use. Some women feel they should be able to get through this time of life with no help, and others want a non-hormonal option. This article was included in issue 92 (spring 2022) of The Menopause Exchange newsletter. Recent surveys suggest that 50% to 80% of menopausal women will buy over-the counter food supplements, but 75% feel they know little about these options or if they’re safe to ..read more

Here are some ‘Ask the Experts’ questions and answers from recent issues of The Menopause Exchange newsletter. I was interested to read about vaginal moisturisers and lubricants in the article on ‘Easing vaginal dryness’ in issue 88 of The Menopause Exchange. Which products do you suggest?Moisturisers help to encourage moisture into the vagina. They’re used on a regular basis (every three days or so) and will last a few days. They’re not used in association with sex. Examples are Yes VM, Replens and Hyalofemme. You may find one suits you more than another, so it’s worth trying a couple of them ..read more

Here’s some health news included in our News flushes page in the latest issue of The Menopause Exchange newsletter (no.93, summer 2022). HRT over the pharmacy counterFrom September 2022, women will be able to buy a low-dose vaginal HRT product from their local pharmacy. Gina 10mcg vaginal tablets (containing oestradiol) are used to treat vaginal symptoms such as dryness, soreness, itching and burning, caused by oestrogen deficiency. The tablets, which are inserted into the vagina, are suitable for postmenopausal women aged 50+ who haven’t had a period for at least one year. Your local pharmacy ..read more

The menopause is a natural life event that all women face. In the Greek language ‘menopause’ means the ‘last period’. Natural menopause happens between the ages of 45 to 55. As women go through the menopause, their period pattern starts to change and becomes more irregular. Many women will also have troubling symptoms, such as hot flushes and night sweats, and some will feel they’re more emotional, have low moods and tiredness and are not their usual self. Women may also complain of problems with sleep, vaginal dryness and libido and bladder issues. This article was included in issue 92 (sprin ..read more