GP talks about the impact of the menopause on weight gain

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Menopause is a transitional time in a woman’s life described by the NHS as the time “when a woman stops having periods and is no longer able to get pregnant naturally”. However, there are a number of symptoms that can arise around this time. Some of these symptoms can be treated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Under a new proposal, women may soon be able to get vaginal oestrogen tablets – a form of HRT – over the counter in chemists.

The UK medicines regulator, the MHRA, is proposing to reclassify a product called Gina10, or estradiol, as a pharmacy medicine.

If this change goes ahead, the drug will be available to buy in chemists.

Some medical professionals have raised concerns women and pharmacists will need to be properly educated on the choice of treatments available to them.

Pharmacists will be able to access training materials and checklists to help them confirm whether a woman is eligible for the treatment.

Vicky Walker, group Director of People at Westfield Health, said: “We’re seeing menopause being brought to the forefront and more awareness being raised around the symptoms and hormonal changes that deeply affect many women in their daily lives.

“With menopause symptoms negatively impacting 59 percent of working women aged between 45 to 55 in the workplace, making HRT more accessible may encourage more women to seek treatment and support sooner, rather than suffering in silence.”

DON’T MISS
Julia Somerville health: Presenter, 74, became ‘very ill’ [REVEALED]
Visceral fat: The herb that could help reduce the belly fat  [EXPLAINER]
Visceral fat: The orange drink that ‘flushes out toxins’ to shrink fat [INSIGHT]

But what exactly is HRT and how does it help women going through menopause?

According to the NHS: “The main benefit of HRT is that it can help relieve most of the menopausal symptoms.”

The most common of these include:

Hot flushes

Night sweats

Mood swings

Vaginal dryness

Reduced sex drive

The NHS adds: “Many of these symptoms pass after a few years, but they can be unpleasant and taking HRT can offer relief for many women.

“It can also help prevent weakening of the bones (osteoporosis), which is more common after the menopause.”

However, there are some risks associated with certain types of HRT. For example, some types of HRT can increase your chances of developing breast cancer.

Despite this, the NHS states that the benefits of therapy “are generally believed to outweigh the risks”.

In most cases, a GP will discuss the different options available for women, as well as the potential side-effects, to determine whether or not it is the right option for you.

Most women are eligible to have HRT if they are having symptoms directly associated with menopause.

What is happening where you live? Find out by adding your postcode or visit InYourArea

But, in some cases, women may be advised against it.

These often include women who:

• Have a history of breast cancer, ovarian cancer or womb cancer
• Have a history of blood clots
• Have untreated high blood pressure – your blood pressure will need to be controlled before you can start HRT
• Have liver disease
• Are pregnant – the NHS states: “It’s still possible to get pregnant while taking HRT, so you should use contraception until two years after your last period if you’re under 50, or for one year after the age of 50.”

Source: Read Full Article