Frequently Asked Questions
What is the menopause?
The menopause is the time when a woman’s periods have stopped. The perimenopause is the time leading up to this where hormone levels fluctuate and symptoms may start. This is common after the age of 45, and normally happens as a result of the ovaries naturally stopping oestrogen production with time. However, sometimes it can happen because of surgery, or because of medical treatments (for example for breast cancer), or when for unknown reasons the ovaries simply stop producing oestrogen far sooner than the normal menopause. The menopause may have very few symptoms for some women, but commonly causes symptoms such as irregular and sometimes heavy periods, bladder symptoms such as recurrent infections, vaginal dryness, hot flushes and night sweats, insomnia, headaches and migraines, low mood and anxiety, muscle aches and pains, thinning of the hair, changes in weight distribution, low libido, and brain fog. It can also be associated with an increased risk of heart disease, osteoporosis and dementia. More information can be found on the Women’s Health Concern website.
What lifestyle changes could I consider?
The menopause is a time of change and it can be associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis, heart disease and strokes. Lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy, balanced diet, taking regular exercise, reducing alcohol intake, stopping smoking, and stress management can not only reduce the risk of these conditions, but they can also reduce some of the symptoms of the menopause, such as hot flushes and night sweats, weight changes, insomnia, headaches, and joint aches and pains.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles at specific points in the body. The Western Medical approach to acupuncture uses our understanding of anatomy and physiology to choose the appropriate sites to insert the needles. Sometimes, instead of needles, small seeds are used to create acupressure, allowing women to deliver their own treatment outwith the clinic. Occasionally, severe musculoskeletal symptoms may be treated by delivering a mild electrical current between two needles, called electroacupuncture (please note, this treatment is not available to certain people eg if you have a copper coil or a pacemaker).
What is CBT?
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is very useful for the management of hot flushes and night sweats, but it can also improve many aspects of wellbeing. Please see the Women’s Health Concern information sheet on CBT for more information, or click here to read more about what can be offered at the clinic.
What is HRT?
Fluctuating and falling levels of oestrogen cause many symptoms during the perimenopause and menopause, including brain fog, hot flushes, night sweats, changes in weight, anxiety, low mood, bladder issues and headaches. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be used to replace the oestrogen, either in small amounts in the vagina to treat vaginal and bladder issues, or in larger amounts to treat other symptoms too. You may also need to take the hormone progesterone, and there are some women who benefit from the hormone testosterone too.
There are risks and benefits of HRT, and we strongly recommend looking at the factsheets on the Women’s Health Concern website: HRT, HRT: The History, HRT: Benefits & risks, HRT: Summary and HRT: Types, doses and regimes.
There are risks and benefits of HRT, and we strongly recommend looking at the factsheets on the Women’s Health Concern website: HRT, HRT: The History, HRT: Benefits & risks, HRT: Summary and HRT: Types, doses and regimes.
What is hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy uses a state of deep relaxation to allow the mind to be open to suggestions of change. The Borders Menopause Clinic utilises Solution Focused Hypnotherapy - a combination of psychotherapy and hypnosis. This can be used to treat a variety of conditions including general stress, anxiety, low mood or depression, grief, irritable bowel syndrome, phobias, smoking cessation, chronic pain, insomnia, and weight management. Hypnotherapy has been shown to be effective in the management of hot flushes in the menopause.
The Clinic also offers HypnoMenopause®, which blends elements of Coaching, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, NeuroLinguistic Programming and Mindfulness within a Solution Focused Hypnotherapy approach specifically tailored to the menopause. This can be highly successful for a variety of menopausal symptoms. Usually, HypnoMenopause® is delivered over 5 sessions.
The Clinic also offers HypnoMenopause®, which blends elements of Coaching, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, NeuroLinguistic Programming and Mindfulness within a Solution Focused Hypnotherapy approach specifically tailored to the menopause. This can be highly successful for a variety of menopausal symptoms. Usually, HypnoMenopause® is delivered over 5 sessions.