a guide to the menopause

Menopause o_p.qxd 27/3/09 10:45 Page 1

Look out for our other booklets!

You can find details of these and our other bookletsat www.fairadvice.org.uk

Menopause o_p.qxd 27/3/09 10:45 Page 2

This booklet will tell you about themenopause, or as some people call it,"the change of life."

Every woman who has periods will go through themenopause. This booklet tells you why this happensand how you might feel.

1

Menopause o_p.qxd 27/3/09 10:45 Page 3

The Menopause

Women who are 40 - 55 years old stop having periods.This is called the menopause. It may take years tohappen, and is normal.

When you have been through the menopause, yourperiods stop. This means you will not be able to havebabies any more.

2

Menopause o_p.qxd 27/3/09 10:45 Page 4

What happens when you go throughthe menopause?

You might have lightbleeding every period.

You might have heavybleeding every period.

You might have bleeding between periods. This is called "spotting."

3

Menopause o_p.qxd 27/3/09 10:45 Page 5

Your periods might happen less often or more oftenthan they did before.

If you are worried about any of these changes to yourperiod, talk about them with your doctor or nurse.

4

Menopause o_p.qxd 27/3/09 10:45 Page 6

Sometimes women can have lots ofdifferent feelings during themenopause.

These feelings will pass in time but are upsettingwhen they happen. It can be helpful to talk to somebody about these feelings.

Sad and tearful Depressed

Forgetting things Angry

5

Menopause o_p.qxd 27/3/09 10:45 Page 7

Other things that may happen to youduring the menopause.

Hot flushes

A hot flush is when you suddenly get very hot andsweaty. It can happen at any time during the day ornight. It happens very quickly and lasts for a shorttime.

Hot flushes can be uncomfortable but will not harmyou.

6

Menopause o_p.qxd 27/3/09 10:45 Page 8

7

You may gain weight. You may get headaches.

Your hair may get thinner. Sometimes women maystart to wet themselveswhen they cough, sneezeor laugh.

Menopause o_p.qxd 27/3/09 10:45 Page 9

8

Contraception

If you don't want to have a baby, you still need to usecontraception during and after the menopause. Youwill need to keep using contraception for two yearsafter your periods stop.

Menopause o_p.qxd 27/3/09 10:45 Page 10

Keeping healthy during themenopause

9

Write down the date eachtime you have a period.Write down if your bleeding is heavy or light.

Stay cool if you havehot flushes.

Eat healthy food. Take plenty of exerciseto keep your boneshealthy.

Menopause o_p.qxd 27/3/09 10:45 Page 11

10

Some women get very upset duringthe menopause and need to see adoctor.

There are medicines that can help with the changesyou get during the menopause.

Menopause o_p.qxd 27/3/09 10:45 Page 12

11

It is important for all women to knowabout the menopause before it starts.

You can talk to nurses, doctors, key-workers, mums,sisters, friends or partners.

Menopause o_p.qxd 27/3/09 10:45 Page 13

12

After you go through the menopause or "change oflife", life is still fun!

Menopause o_p.qxd 27/3/09 10:45 Page 14

FAIR in association with Community Nurses for People with Learning Disabilities, NHS Lothian.

For further copies contact FAIR MultimediaPhone 0131 662 1962Email multimedia@fairadvice.org.ukWebsite www.fairadvice.org.uk

Published by NHS Health ScotlandDesign: FAIR MultimediaIllustration: Paul Mudie© NHS Health Scotland, 2009ISBN: 978-1-84485-456-1

Menopause o_p.qxd 27/3/09 10:45 Page 15

3176

3/2

009

Menopause o_p.qxd 27/3/09 10:45 Page 17