| | Menopause | | |
| | Jan 31st - Feb 29th 2012 | |
| | Menopause, the time in a woman's life when her periods eventually stop, can come with its own special set of concerns. For instance, when is it considered premature?
What can you do about the uncomfortable physical aspects of menopause, such as hot flashes? How to handle the psychological effects that can sometimes be experienced?
Seize this chance to ask any question you might have regarding menopause. Our expert is here to help.
Hosted by:
Dr Ang Seng Bin
Senior Family Physician
Head, Family Medicine Service
KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital
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Posted by playst | If a person begun to have menopause, do she still have to be concerned about birth control ? |
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Answered by Dr Ang Seng Bin Head & Senior Family Physician Family Medicine Service, KK Women's and Children's Hospital | During the period around menopause, one could still be pregnant. The menstrual disturbance sometimes makes it hard to predict the ovulation period. As such, it is advisable for one to use contraception as long as one is within 12 months of the last menstrual period. Menopause is determined when one does not have menses for 12
consecutive months. |
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Posted by albertlaw | My sister aged 49 has just experienced the symptoms associated with menopause and she is keen to know whether hormone therapy replacement and slow down or reduce problems associated with menopause.What's your advice |
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Answered by Dr Ang Seng Bin Head & Senior Family Physician Family Medicine Service, KK Women's and Children's Hospital | Hormone replacement is not a treatment suitable for all. In the Women’s Health Initiative Study, it was noted that there is an increased risk of breast cancer in women using combined hormone therapy. As such, the latest recommendations are that hormone therapy (not replacement), should only be started in women with severe menopausal symptoms while those with mild to moderate symptoms should try lifestyle management first. These include exercise, healthy diet, reduction of weight, avoiding alcohol and smoking, as well as triggers such as spices, coffee etc. |
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Posted by rachel | What exactly are 'hot flashes" during menopause? How do I know if I'm having one, and what should I do to cope and get rid of it? Is medication a must or can it be avoided?
thanks
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Answered by Dr Ang Seng Bin Head & Senior Family Physician Family Medicine Service, KK Women's and Children's Hospital | Hot flashes are sudden feeling of intense heat experienced by women during the perimenopause. It usually comes suddenly and is short-lived, usually between 5 to 10 minutes. This could occur several times a day or night depending on individual. If one experiences ”hot flashes” that lasts more than 30 minutes each episode, please seek the advice of a health professional as medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism that can mimick hot flashes needs to be excluded.
Lifestyle modifications like exercise, healthy diet, improving sleep hygiene, relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises, reduction of weight, avoiding alcohol and smoking, as well as triggers such as spices, coffee etc can be tried first. Most of the times this would help relieve the symptoms. The good news is for most women, the symptoms do decrease with time from the last menstrual period.
Medication is used only if the symptoms are severe and it affects the social function of the patients. |
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