Lecture Notes: Understanding Menopause and Its Impact

Introduction

• Menopause affects over half of the world's population.
• 1 in 4 women experience severe symptoms, such as migraines and suicidal thoughts.
• The lecture aims to open a discussion about menopause and challenge the stigma around hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Definitions

• Menopause: End of menstrual cycles, officially diagnosed one year after the last period.
• Perimenopause: Transition phase leading up to menopause where menstrual cycles change.

Impact on Population

• Affects women under 40 (1 in 100) and even younger women can be affected.
• Symptoms can include hot flashes, depression, anxiety, memory, and concentration issues.
• Misunderstandings exist due to lack of education in medical training.

Health Risks Associated with Menopause

• Increased risks of heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, dementia.
• Women live longer, so the impact of menopause is more profound.
• Economic and individual impacts on health and lifestyle.

Diagnosis and Symptoms

• Diagnosis cannot be confirmed with a blood test.
• Healthcare professionals should consider hormonal causes when diagnosing symptoms like palpitations.
• Importance of self-awareness in recognizing menopausal symptoms.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

• Misconceptions about HRT being linked to breast cancer.
• Modern HRT uses body-identical hormones, reducing risks significantly.
• HRT is associated with lower risks of breast cancer, heart disease, and dementia.

Societal and Healthcare Challenges

• Prescription charges and bureaucratic challenges in accessing HRT.
• Legislative efforts to simplify access and reduce costs.
• Necessity for better healthcare guidelines and training.

Personal Perspectives: Lisa Snowden

• Experienced symptoms like depression, anxiety, erratic menstruation at age 42.
• Initially prescribed antidepressants, which were ineffective.
• HRT helped regain control over symptoms after a month.
• Emphasizes the importance of awareness and education.

Supporting Menopausal Women

• Importance of a support system for women undergoing menopause, including partners.
• Awareness and education can help dispel fears and misconceptions.

Call to Action

• Fill out menopause questionnaires for diagnosis support.
• Explore hormones as a cause for new symptoms.
• Push for increased education and healthcare professional training.

Final Thoughts

• Menopause is not just about hot flashes; it has a wide range of physical and mental impacts.
• HRT is a viable treatment option with significant benefits.
• Society needs to acknowledge and support women through their menopausal journey.