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During perimenopause, women experience a transition period before reaching menopause, where the ovaries gradually cease to function and menstruation stops. Menopause typically happens between ages 45 and 55. However, this varies across different countries. In the UK, the average age of menopause is around 51 years. Occasionally, menopause can occur much earlier, even before the age of 40.
As ovarian function declines, levels of the hormone oestrogen decrease. Oestrogen hormone is crucial for maintaining a healthy reproductive system and shielding women from heart disease before menopause. It also plays a vital role in preserving bone health and preventing osteoporosis. The lack of oestrogen often causes the symptoms experienced by women during menopause.
Periods may become irregular and vary in intensity during perimenopause. Up to 80 per cent of women may experience hot flushes—sudden waves of heat often followed by heavy sweating. Other symptoms include:
Common genital symptoms include:
Many women may also lose interest in sexual activity, sometimes due to discomfort and a perceived decrease in attractiveness.
Menopause brings shifts in the body that can impact the vagina. Many women experience dryness, soreness and burning. It can make sex uncomfortable (dyspareunia). They may also deal with urinary incontinence. These changes stem from a decrease in oestrogen, which thins the vaginal cell layer. It makes the vagina more fragile and prone to damage.
Treating these changes involves options like systemic or topical oestrogen alongside a newer approach known as laser vaginal rejuvenation. While systemic oestrogen can be effective for some, it’s not always the preferred choice due to side effects associated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Interestingly, recent findings suggest that HRT might not adequately alleviate the symptoms of atrophic vaginitis for many women. Therefore, laser vaginal rejuvenation emerges as an alternative worth considering for those seeking relief without relying on traditional hormone therapies.
The MonaLisa Touch® procedure is a transformative three-step program designed to revitalise vaginal health over six months. Initially, a brief consultation precedes the first treatment, which is completed in minutes. After a month, the second session is scheduled, followed by the final treatment within a few months.
Employing an advanced carbon dioxide laser, the MonaLisa Touch® targets specific areas within the vaginal walls. With precision, low-energy pulses are directed at these tissues, inducing micro-lesions. These micro-lesions, in turn, stimulate the body’s natural collagen production, promoting the restoration of vaginal health. As the treatment progresses, the vaginal tissue undergoes regeneration, leading to increased comfort and noticeable improvements, often evident after just the first session.
Preparing for MonaLisa Touch involves a few simple steps to ensure the best possible outcome. We recommend that women must refrain from using vaginal lubricants for 48 hours before the procedure. Further, we advise to avoid sexual intercourse for 48 hours following the initial treatment session. These treatments are conveniently conducted as outpatient procedures, eliminating the need for anaesthesia.
If you’re curious about MonaLisa Touch, consider booking an appointment with Top Gynaecologists in London. We can provide comprehensive information and address any questions or concerns about the procedure.
HRT, or hormone replacement therapy, works by replenishing hormones that the ovaries no longer produce. It can be administered orally, as a pill, or through the skin via patches or gels. By replacing oestrogen, menopausal symptoms are alleviated, allowing women to regain a sense of normalcy.
When oestrogen is administered alone, it thickens the lining of the uterus, which may pose a long-term risk of cancer. To mitigate this risk, women with a uterus require progesterone in addition to oestrogen. However, women who have undergone a hysterectomy can safely undergo HRT with oestrogen alone.
If you are looking for hormone replacement therapy in London, we offer comprehensive services to help you manage menopausal symptoms.
Weight gain is a concern many women associate with Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). However, scientific evidence suggests otherwise. As women age, their metabolism tends to slow often, leading to weight gain. It coincides with the time when many women started HRT, leading to a common misconception linking the two. Women must understand that while HRT isn’t directly responsible for weight gain, lifestyle factors and dietary habits play significant roles in managing menopausal symptoms effectively.
Seek guidance from a trusted private gynaecologist in London to navigate through menopause. We can explore the most suitable treatment options tailored to individual needs, ensuring holistic support for this transformative stage of life.
