Assessing symptoms
Assessing symptoms
The effects of the menopause are often poorly recognised or too easily dismissed by healthcare professionals. In the past women have been advised that the menopause is a normal part of ageing and symptoms should be lived with, so many do not seek help but may mention symptoms in passing. It is important to avoid being dismissive and to provide reassurance, with constructive advice and support. Symptoms can have a profound adverse effect on wellbeing and quality of life, and any detrimental effects may begin several years before menstruation ceases.
Hot flushes and night sweats (vasomotor symptoms) are the most commonly reported effects, experienced by up to 80 per cent of women. Urogenital symptoms occur in around 40 per cent of women. Around 20 per cent of women get few symptoms at all.
Lifestyle measures can help many sufferers. Hormone replacement therapy can be used for vasomotor symptoms and vaginal oestrogen is effective at treating vaginal and urinary symptoms. As oestrogen levels decline, the risk of osteoporosis and fragility fractures increases.
It is also important that pharmacists ask about the nature, frequency, duration and time of day of symptoms, and about their severity and impact on quality of life. Consultations about the menopause and associated symptoms will cover sensitive information, so use of the consultation area is important.