Self-help with hormone changes
 Hot flushes, possibly with night sweats.
Many women find them embarrassing, but they do tend to be more obvious
to the sufferer than to the on-looker. Sheila Kitzinger
tried watching herself in the mirror, and decided she liked the rosy
glow! Unfortunately hot flushes tend to be worse when you are under other
kinds
of stress.
Self-help measures include dressing in layers, avoiding
anything tight round the neck, wearing cotton and other natural fibres,
considering layers of blankets rather than a duvet. Also watch to see
what triggers them for you – possibilities include caffeine, alcohol,
spicy food, smoking. It might be worth cutting down on any offending substances
– only you will know.
Heavy and/or unpredictable bleeding – some women
bleed more heavily and frequently near menopause, others bleed less heavily
and less frequently. Others find their regular cycle stops for a few months
and then starts again. Self-help here means never being without sanitary
pads or tampons handy!
Fertility declines, but it does not stop with your last
menstrual period, even if you could know at the time which this was! It
is important to continue with contraception for at least a year after
the last menstrual period (check with your doctor for the latest advice).
Drying skin, in various places, as a result of reduced
oestrogen production (and ageing). Self-help measures include reviewing
skin care – more or different moisturisers or E45, higher factor
sun screen - and lubricating jelly from the chemist for vaginal dryness
if this is a problem.
Emotional instability and exhaustion, from a combination
of coping with the rest of your life and hormonal change. See You
and your feelings.
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