The menopause is a transitional phase at the end of a woman’s reproductive period. This generally occurs between the ages of 45 and 60.
The menstrual cycle changes and ultimately stops in this phase.
Complaints during the menopause
Many women suffer from complaints caused by hormonal changes during the menopause. Hot flushes, mood swings and night sweats are common complaints. However there are many other symptoms, such as hair loss, dry skin or painful joints. The degree to which the complaints occur can vary greatly. The cause of the complaints is often not clear. Furthermore, women suffering from menopausal complaints are often not given the consideration and understanding they deserve.
Treatment or advice
Proper tests and the right advice and treatment can minimise the effect of menopausal complaints on daily life. Gynaikon Clinics specialises in this field. We can help you or provide advice on how to relieve the complaints.
FEES
Fees are charged for doctor’s appointments and issuing medication/medical devices. The maximum fees for treatment are set by the government. Please contact the clinic for current prices: tel. +31 (0)88 8884444.
If you live in the Netherlands: some health insurance policies cover all or part of the costs. Please contact your insurer to request reimbursement.
If you do not live in the Netherlands: you must pay for the costs of treatment yourself. The fees must be paid prior to your treatment.
Links to other professionals (NL)
Menopause
Questions & Answers
1. Are the first signs of the menopause clearly recognisable?
Women who do not take the pill will certainly recognise the first signs of menopause. The monthly period starts to change, is late initially and then becomes more irregular. Some women are also prone to suffering from hot flushes.
Sometimes a blood test is performed to determine whether a woman is in the menopause. This test is inconclusive in most cases however. The GP will generally only perform this test if there are clear indications for doing so (e.g. women who develop complaints at an extremely young age).
2. What if I am on the pill?
Women on the pill are largely unaffected by menopausal complaints during the three weeks when they take the pill every day. The hormones make your body believe that you are still in the reproductive phase of your life. This is not the case during the pill-free week. Those hormones are not present and your body takes over again. If you are in the menopause, you can suffer from the normal menopausal complaints such as hot flushes or sweats during that week. Always discuss this with your doctor. If it is found that you are indeed in your menopause, there is not much point in continuing to take the pill for much longer. After all, the pill is not suitable for treating menopausal complaints. Your best course of action is to stop taking the pill or possibly undergo hormone replacement therapy.
3. Is it possible to make comparisons between my menopause and my mother’s?
You can certainly make comparisons with your mother’s menopause. If her menopause came late, the chances are that the same will apply in your case. This is genetically determined. Note however that the complaints which may arise are not genetically determined. So if your mother had major problems with hot flushes, this will not necessarily apply in your case.
4. Why am I so lethargic?
The menopause is an intensive physical process which requires a large amount of energy. Hot flushes, insomnia and concentration loss may make you feel less than completely fit. Furthermore, most women find themselves in a turbulent phase in their lives at this point in time. While not directly related to the menopause, this definitely has an effect. The family's children (if any) are in puberty or preparing to leave home. The parents are growing older and sometimes require extra care. In some cases, a divorce may also play a role. If there are already ‘family issues’, the additional stress of the menopause makes life extremely difficult.
So that feeling of lethargy can be explained quite easily. It is worth remembering that it is only temporary. However in some cases, it may last too long. Do not hesitate to seek help. Talk to other people about your problem: make an appointment.