Menopause is the natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. It typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, although it can happen earlier or later.
During menopause, the levels of oestrogen and progesterone, the two main female sex hormones, decline. This decline causes the ovaries to stop releasing eggs and the production of oestrogen and progesterone to decrease. This hormonal imbalance can cause various symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood changes. It also leads to the cessation of menstruation and the end of fertility. Additionally, the decline in oestrogen can also increase the risk of certain health conditions, such as osteoporosis and heart disease.
Common symptoms of the Menopause
- Hot flashes: These are sudden feelings of warmth or heat that can cause sweating, flushing, and a rapid heartbeat.
- Vaginal dryness: This can cause discomfort during intercourse, as well as vaginal itching and burning.
- Night sweats: These are hot flashes that occur during the night, which can disrupt sleep.
- Mood changes: Some women may experience feelings of irritability, depression, or anxiety during menopause.
- Fatigue: Fatigue or a lack of energy is common during menopause, due to the hormonal changes that occur in the body.
- Changes in sexual desire: Some women may experience a decrease in sexual desire during menopause.
- Headaches: Some women may experience headaches more frequently during menopause.
- Cognitive changes: Some women may experience cognitive changes such as memory loss, and difficulty focusing during menopause.
- Changes in weight and body shape: Some women may experience weight gain, and changes in body shape during menopause.
- Insomnia: Some women may experience difficulty sleeping or insomnia during menopause.
It is important to note that not all women experience all these symptoms and can vary from person to person. Also, these symptoms can be treated with certain medications and lifestyle changes.
How physiotherapy can help you
There are several unseen benefits of physiotherapy for menopause, including:
- Improving joint mobility and flexibility – Physiotherapy can help to alleviate symptoms of joint stiffness and pain often associated with menopause, by working to improve joint mobility and flexibility.
- Managing hot flashes- Physiotherapy can help to manage hot flashes, a common symptom of menopause, through techniques such as deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery.
- Reducing stress and anxiety – Menopause can be a stressful time, and physiotherapy can help to reduce stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation and helping to release tension in the body.
- Improving sleep – Physiotherapy can help to improve sleep by working to release tension in the body and promoting relaxation, which can be particularly beneficial for women experiencing sleep disturbances during menopause.
- Improving cardiovascular health – Physiotherapy can help to improve cardiovascular health through exercises and other techniques that help to increase circulation and strengthen the heart.
- Improving overall physical function – Physiotherapy can help to improve overall physical function and increase strength, endurance, and flexibility, which can help to maintain independence and improve quality of life.
- Education – Physiotherapists can provide education on self-management techniques and lifestyle changes that can help alleviate symptoms of menopause.
At Home Physio Group, our physiotherapists can help women manage the symptoms of menopause through exercise, manual therapy, and education on self-management techniques and lifestyle changes.
For more information please contact us on 0330 335 1016 or alternatively please fill out our contact sheet and we will get back to you.