What is Medical Menopause?
Medical Menopause happens when an individual has treatment to suppress their ovaries before Menopause would traditionally happen.
You don’t have to be old to be menopausal!
Traditionally, menopause can start to happen from mid 40s although typically this can start from as early as late 30s with a gentle decline in oestrogen levels.
Before menopause women’s Bodies produce oestrogen and progesterone that cause their monthly periods,
Medical Menopause typically happens after cancer treatment when the ovaries are switched off in order to prevent reoccurrence of a hormone driven cancer (typically breast cancer).
Post cancer treatment women are given hormone suppressants resulting in their bodies being slammed into a menopause overnight, and unlike typical scenarios there is no prescription from the GP that can help fill that gap such as HRT.
Some of the symptoms you could experience
Hot Flushes
The irony is that hot flushes are your body’s response to cooling you down (although it doesn’t feel like that!). Lack of oestrogen can cause your body to become more sensitive to temperature and as a result any slight change can cause your body to react by causing a mini heatwave.
Trouble Sleeping
Those bothersome hot flushes and nights sweats contribute to a restless nights sleep, couple this with anxiety and declining oestrogen and we have a recipe for disaster. Oestrogen helps move magnesium into tissues which is crucial for sleep, take this away and it results in problems in getting to and staying asleep.
Brain Fog
How many times have you done something stupid such as put the keys in the fridge instead of the milk or found yourself searching for words and feeling silly? Oestrogen plays a key role in cognitive ability and memory. So next time you feel like you are losing your mind know your fellow sweaty tribe can relate and have your back.
Weight Gain
Lack of sleep can lead you to crave sugar and once that starts you can be on a sugar rollercoaster all day long, this along with a slower metabolism can see the numbers go up on the scale. Lack of oestrogen has also been reported to effect where the body stores fat which can result in a menopause belly!
Helping to Empower Women
through Medical Menopause
Let’s navigate the medical menopause rollercoaster together - turning the adventure into one of shared laughter, understanding and support where your journey is met with emojis, encouragement, and a tribe that’s got your back!