This symptom of hot flushes can be corrected with the hormone
that is so deficient in women at their mid-ages. Doctors, based upon
clinical assessment, may prescribe hormone replacement therapy (HRT),
which comes indifferent
formulations. Some can be taken by mouth as a
daily pill similar to contraceptive pill. A note of warning is warranted
here.
HRT is not a contraception or an anti-pregnancy pill. Women should
still take precaution so as not to get pregnant. Please note that this
statement does not mean that a woman’s fertility has returned with us of
HRT. It’s not so. HRT can also be taken as a patch or vagina cream.
While on HRT, women that have not had hysterectomy (removal of the
womb), may resume having regular menstrual periods. Again, this is not
an indication that fertility has been restored. The menstrual period is
just the consequence of the way the HRT works. HRT may be continued for
up to five years.
HRT is not without risk. Anyone with the history of breast cancer,
blood clotting, severe liver disease, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding and
pregnancy should not take HRT. The HRT here is a combined hormones of
estrogen and progesterone.
For women who have had their womb removed, they may use a different
form of HRT: estrogen. In all, because of the risks, women intending on
using HRT should consult their doctor for guidance before commencing
usage.
Vaginal dryness leading to difficult sex may be relieved with either a
lubricating cream, such as KY jelly or estrogen cream. Urinary symptoms
may also be relieved by HRT. Low sexual drive that is not helped by HRT
may respond to male hormone testosterone.
Risk of bone fractures, which occurs in one in 20 women undergoing
menopause, can also benefit from HRT or a non-hormone treatment.
However, good nutrition rich in vitamins, vitamin D and calcium,
cautiously taken, may reduce fractures.
For those that HRT is not suitable for, there are alternatives. If
mental health deteriorates during perimenopuase and menopause, doctors
will take appropriate measures to solve the problem. The woman should
receive counselling and education of the changes in her body. This is
cheaper.
The key issue is not to deny one’s suffering nor refuse to see a
doctor. Distress and disquiet brought about by perimenopause or
menopause is not just a “woman’s thing” and neither should women suffer
in silence!
‘Menopause’ in men
True, men do not have menstrual periods. Therefore, the term ‘male
menopause’ is controversial. The claim of male menopause is still been
researched on.
Yet, there are some features in men who are in their mid-ages, which
lead to the suspicion that they may also be experiencing what women do.
These include: tiredness, weakness, depression and sexual problems, such
as loss of libido, erectile dysfunction; impotence or ejaculatory
problems – called mid-life crises which may come with career changes.
Essentially, it has been observed that in their mid-ages, men do have
low testosterone and, like women, a boost in their hormone levels may
actually improve these symptoms.
Notably, unlike in women, who may experience failure in their ovaries
to produce follicles and estrogen, men’s testes do not stop producing
sperms and testosterone. Rather, men may continue to produce sperms well
into their late 80s, though subtle changes do occur in the testes in
some men who are 50.
Men experiencing fatigue, depression, erectile dysfunction, low sex
drive should, therefore, seek medical help. Investigations in the
laboratory may not yield much as the changes in men are not as dramatic
as in women. The doctor may, nonetheless, undertake an examination to
exclude any faults.
Treatment
While controversial is not without its benefits, what I call male HRT
may also help. This may consist of giving a measure of testosterone.
It should be noted that giving artificial testosterone carries its risk;
therefore caution should be exercised.
In summary, women experience menopause and I will urge those
suffering from fluctuations in their hormone levels from 40 in some and
45 – 52 years in others should seek help and not be subdued by cultural
considerations. Discomfort and disquiet should not be accepted. Similar
advice is applicable to men.
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