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Menopause Clinic - FAQWhy have I been referred to the Menopause Clinic? Your physician may have referred you to the menopause clinic for a variety of reasons related to the menopause transition. The most common reason is related to menopausal symptoms that are impacting negatively on your quality of life. These are frequently related to a change in your bleeding pattern, bothersome hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness or difficulty with your sexual health. You may be referred for the onset of troublesome headaches or migraines. Your physician will want advice concerning treatment options for these symptoms. What is menopause? Menopause is actually one day in a woman’s life – her last menstrual period. It is the period when ovaries stop functioning and therefore menstruations and childbearing cease. Menopause is a natural process that results from normal aging of the ovaries. It occurs when the ovaries can no longer produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone. The average age of menopause is 51. Early Menopause is the premature interruption of ovarian function. For a minority of women menopause occurs naturally at a young age. Ovarian function ceases with no explanation. Early menopause also occurs with surgical removal of the ovaries. Early menopause can also occur when a woman requires chemotherapy or radiation to treat a life threatening disease such as cancer. Surgical Menopause is the removal of the ovaries. It may be necessary to save a woman’s life or improve her quality of life. What is perimenopause? Perimenopause refers to the years before the menopause when a woman may begin experiencing the symptoms associated with menopause. These symptoms are most frequently caused by imbalances in the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Most women will have no or few menopausal symptoms while some women may have more severe symptoms that can have a negative impact on their quality of life. The average length of perimenopause is 4-8 years. What are the symptoms of menopause? Menopause is a unique experience that all women will experience differently. Bleeding changes is initially the most common symptom of the perimenopause. Periods may become irregular. The length of time between periods may become closer together or further apart. The blood flow may become lighter or heavier. The second most common symptom is hot flashes. Hot flashes may also be associated with perspiration and may range from warmth to intense heat on the upper body and face, and may be followed by chills. Other frequent symptoms include sleep disturbances, fatigue, mood swings, headaches, vaginal dryness, urinary complaints and changes in sexual function. A woman may also experience dry eyes, itchy skin and short-term memory loss. What can I expect when I come to the menopause clinic? When your referral is received, clinic medical staff will assess the urgency and determine whether you are to be seen by a doctor or a nurse on your first visit. Usually patients are booked initially with a nurse (your primary nurse) for a thorough individual assessment. Symptoms are identified and measured in degree of severity. Personal and family health history is assessed. Lifestyle and dietary habits are evaluated and risk factors for osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, colon cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer and Alzheimers disease are identified. The nurse will determine and arrange the test(s) you require. Following completion of these tests you will return to the clinic to see the doctor. Your primary nurse will continue to see you in follow-up nursing visits as determined by the doctor. What are some treatment options? Treatment options depend on symptoms. Non-prescription remedies and prescription therapies are options for all menopausal related symptoms and these will be discussed in detail by your primary nurse and physician. The risks and benefits of prescription medications will be reviewed based on personal and medical history. Hormone Therapy may be a treatment option for you. The preferred regime as well as personal risks and benefits to take this treatment will be discussed with you. Smoking cessation programs will be addressed and literature given. Recommendations to maintain bone health will be reviewed. Calcium and Vitamin D as well as appropriate exercises for bone health with be discussed and literature from the Osteoporosis Society of Canada will be given. Treatments for healthy sexual functioning include vaginal lubrication, moisturizers, estrogen-containing hormone therapy and in some cases testosterone therapy. Other treatments are available as well as sexual counseling. Make healthy food choices using the Canadian Food Guide. Still Have Questions? Check out these Web sites for more information.
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