15 March 2019 Author : Augusta Matos The menopause occurs when the body stops producing female hormones, which happens between the ages of 45 and 55. Hormone replacement treatment is essential for a woman to enjoy a good quality of life , as it prevents many of the negative consequences of menopause. What factors can influence the onset of menopause? The age of onset of the menopause is influenced only by: Hereditary factors; Smoking habits. Geographical, social and/or physical factors do not have any influence on whether it occurs at an earlier or later time. As a result of improvements in socioeconomic factors and scientific and technological advances in recent years, particularly in the field of medicine, average life expectancy has been increasing. This being the case, a woman will now spend a third of her life in the menopause. What are the main symptoms of the menopause? The lack of female hormones leads to a new hormonal environment. Oestrogen deficiency has short, medium and long-term consequences on women's health and well-being. Vasomotor symptoms - “hot flushes” - are usually the first changes that arise and the ones that have the greatest effect on the women’s well-being, leading her to seek help from her doctor. However, for some women, such symptoms are scarce and barely relevant. The time will come when the start of the menopause is diagnosed at the woman’s annual gynaecological check-up, and treatment will be proposed. What are the benefits of hormone replacement therapy for women? We now know that the benefits of hormone replacement therapy are so great that all women should be provided with it; there are very few contraindications. However, the treatment should not be given to women with: Breast and endometrial cancer; Meningioma and melanoma; A history of thromboembolic events, Acute liver or kidney disease and/or severe hepatic and/or renal impairment; Severe high blood pressure. The choice of hormone(s), method of administration and treatment time should be individually determined by the physician , in accordance with the specific profile of each woman. Normally, medical appointments are made every six months throughout the treatment period. Menopause: what are the results of hormone replacement? Hormone replacement therapy halts the changes resulting from the progressive reduction of oestrogens, both in gynaecological and non-gynaecological terms. Gynaecological results: Hormone replacement therapy reduces: Menstrual irregularities; Vaginal dryness; Weight; Pain and burning upon urination. Non-gynaecological results: Hormone replacement therapy reduces: Vasomotor symptoms (“hot flushes”); Neuropsychic symptoms (insomnia, irritability and depression); Changes in the central nervous system (loss of memory and concentration capacity and Alzheimer's disease); Changes in bone and cardiovascular metabolism (osteoporosis, angina pectoris and myocardial infarction). Treating the menopause with female hormone replacement therapy enables women to: Enjoy a good quality of life; Avoid the occurrence of harmful consequences. At the hospitals and clinics of the Hospital da Luz network, you can find doctors specialising in gynaecology and obstetrics who will carry out the examinations you require. Did you know that: The age at which the menopause starts is influenced only by hereditary factors and smoking habits; These days, with the increase in average life expectancy, women spend one third of their life in the menopause; Women with breast and endometrial cancer, acute liver or kidney disease or severe high blood pressure should not take hormone replacement therapy. Meet the obstetrics-gynecology team from Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
