Let’s Talk About the Menopause

Pictured: Dr Vivek Nama, Resident Gynaecologist at The Door W4 and ambassador for InMode’s EmpowerRF. Non-surgical treatments for women's intimate health.

Here at the Door we are not scared to talk about the Menopause. In fact we embrace the conversation. We recognise that for a long time women have had to suffer in silence and to us that’s just simply not good enough. For Menopause Awareness Month, we are going to look at how the menopause can effect your physical and mental wellbeing and the treatment options that are available to help make the transition from peri-menopause to menopause more comfortable.

What causes the peri-menopause?

During peri-menopause the hormone oestrogen begins to decline, this decline in oestrogen interrupts the balance with the hormone progesterone. Throughout womanhood these two hormones are responsible for the menstrual cycle. Peri-menopause is preparing the body to reduce the oestrogen levels to a point where you stop ovulating, in other words the menopause.

What are the main symptoms of the peri-menopause? 

IRREGULAR MENSTRUAL CYCLES

Changes in the frequency, duration, and flow of menstrual periods are common during perimenopause. Cycles may become shorter or longer, and periods may become heavier or lighter.

HOT FLASHES AND NIGHT SWEATS

These sudden and intense feelings of heat, often accompanied by sweating, can disrupt sleep and daily activities.

SLEEP DISTURBANCES

Insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns may occur due to hormonal fluctuations, night sweats, or other factors.

MOOD CHANGES

Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and depression can be more prevalent during peri-menopause due to hormonal changes and life transitions.

VAGINAL CHANGES

Reduced Oestrogen levels can lead to vaginal dryness, itching, discomfort during intercourse, and an increased risk of urinary tract infections.

CHANGES IN LIBIDO

Some women may experience a decrease in sexual desire or changes in sexual response due to hormonal changes and other factors.

FATIGUE

Hormonal fluctuations and sleep disturbances can contribute to feelings of fatigue and low energy.

CHANGES IN SKIN AND HAIR

Some women may notice changes in skin elasticity, dryness, and hair thinning due to hormonal shifts.

MEMORY AND CONCENTRATION ISSUES

Difficulty with memory, focus, and concentration, often referred to as "brain fog," can be experienced by some women.

WEIGHT GAIN

Hormonal changes can contribute to weight gain, particularly around the abdominal area.

JOIN AND MUSCLE PAIN

Some women may experience increased joint and muscle pain during perimenopause.

TEETH HEALTH

Some women may experience a loss of bone density leading to dental complications. We have a leading dentist Dr Julia Coelho on-site to help manage any dental concerns.

HEADACHES

Hormonal fluctuations can trigger more frequent or severe headaches in some women.

 

It's important to note that not all women will experience every symptom, and the severity of symptoms can vary.

What can I do to ease symptoms?

As a holistic wellness centre the Door W4 offers a number of treatment options that can help alleviate some of the symptoms that the menopause can cause.

SKIN

If it’s peri-menopausal skin that is your main concern for example loss of collagen, increased dryness etc, we are lucky to have Victoria Voysey from Refine Skin lab on site who is an expert in all things skin, Victoria takes a special interest in peri-menopausal skin and has helped many women navigate their skin as it changes in moisture levels, collagen levels and elastin levels.

We are also able to offer some of the best treatments on the market that are designed to stimulate collagen and to resurface the skin including Morpheus8, Agejet Nitrogen Plasma Therapy, medical grade peels and injectables (to name a few). Our Doctors, nurses and clinicians are all trained to assess your skin and to be able to recommend you the best treatment plan for you including what products to use at home and what dietary supplements can help improve results.

BODY

We are also able to offer treatments for the body to help with hormonal weight gain and skin quality to areas that might be of concern to the individual. Such as Coolsculpting ELITE non surgical fat removal, Morpheus8 Body for tightening, Tone for abdominal strength, Liposuction fat removal.

MOOD & SLEEP

With regards to changes in mood, sleep quality and many of the other symptoms commonly associated with the Perimenopause, we have the Marion Gluck clinic onsite who offer BHRT otherwise known as bioidentical hormones. We also are able to offer HRT (hormone replacement therapy), with Consultant Gynaecologist Vivek Nama. The difference between HRT and BHRT is the dosages, application methods and manufacturing process. We have found that different individuals have preference between HRT and BHRT and that’s why we like to be able to offer both so that no woman is left un-catered for.

If you are unsure what your preference is or how to navigate your hormones, we always recommend a free wellbeing consultation with our general clinical manager Kellie. Kellie will help you on your journey and can help answer any questions that you may have before you speak to one of our specialists.

INTIMATE & PELVIC FLOOR HEALTH

Consultant Gynaecologist Vivek Nama is also able to offer a number of cutting edge treatments designed to treat incontinence, urinary urge, lichen sclerosis, vaginal dryness, atrophy and sexual discomfort. In addition to this Mr Nama is able to offer private Gynaecologist assessments, cervical screenings, hysteroscopy and coil fittings. Vivek has a sensitive, caring approach and has over 20 years of experience as a consultant gynaecologist, you can trust you are in safe hands.

At The Door, we have the privilege to offer treatments using the Empower machine by Inmode, which is revolutionary in its field. The Empower machine covers three modalities; radiofrequency, electromuscle stimulation and combined radiofrequency with microneedling. This can be used to treat urinary incontinence, including increased urinary urge (needing to urinate more regularly). It can also be used to improve vaginal dryness, sexual discomfort and vaginal atrophy. We are incredibly proud of this treatment because it provides an option for women who are often over looked when it comes to common problems such as incontinence.

DENTAL ISSUES

With declining oestrogen levels bones can become a little more brittle, therefore there is a risk of loose teeth or even loosing teeth. In addition to this the risk of gum disease also increases. Luckily we have the brilliant Dr Julia Coelho at The Door W4 Dental Studio on site who is a dental expert and able to provide consultation and treatment if you are worried that your teeth have changed or are changing. Dr Julia is a multi-award winning dentist and aesthetics doctor, she has a true passion for her work and her patients.

 

MENTAL HEALTH

At the Door W4 we recognise that to fully encompass health and wellbeing, mental health and wellness must be prioritised. Audrey Zeitoun our resident life coach is available on hand to help coach you if you are feeling stuck or struggling with the life transition of the peri-menopause. Audrey is renowned for her calm and caring approach and she has helped many women navigate the changes that the peri-menopause can bring. In addition to this we are extremely proud to be able to offer Psychotherapy with Emily Pailthorpe. Emily is a psychotherapist with over 20 years’ experience helping patients.

 

Our mission at The Door w4 is to provide an oasis and safe space where treatment is based in science and results. The menopause has long been an area that has been overlooked in medicine and we like to be able to offer a 360 approach to menopause to make the change as comfortable and manageable as possible.