The menopause and hormone replacement therapy

Abstract

Hormone replacement therapy can ease the symptoms of the menopause. The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is developing guidelines on the diagnosis and management of menopause, which are due for release in October 2015. This welcome development acknowledges the impact that menopause-related symptoms can have on an individual. NICE (2013) identify menopause as the ending of menstruation resulting from a failure in ovarian follicular activity. Changes in hormone levels can cause uncomfortable symptoms, including hot flushes, night sweats, dyspareunia, vaginal dryness and discomfort, and disturbed sleep. On average, the menopause begins at the age of 52 years, and 80% of women will endure symptoms, while 45% of those will consider those symptoms distressing.