Menopause

Menopause
The term menopause means last menstrual bleed. During the menopause the production of the female hormone oestrogen declines. The menopause can cause a range of symptoms, including hot flushes and night sweats, tiredness, difficulty sleeping, headaches, vaginal discomfort and a range of emotional symptoms. These symptoms vary from woman to woman and will eventually pass.
As well as symptoms of the menopause other important health issues may arise. These include breast cancer, cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. The Slievemore General Practice can offer a comprehensive menopausal assessment for women, discussing and assessing their individual risk for osteoporosis, heart disease and breast cancer. We can also discuss the option of HRT as a symptomatic treatment for difficult menopausal symptoms on an individual basis.
Breast care
It is important that every woman is breast aware. This means knowing what is normal for you so that if any unusual change occurs, you will recognise it. The sooner you notice a change the better, because if cancer is found early, treatment is more likely to be successful.
Some changes to be aware of are:
• A lump of any size, or thickening in your breast
• A change in size or shape of a breast or it may be that one breast has become larger
• Changes in the nipple, in direction or shape, pulled in or flattened nipple
• Changes on or around the nipple, rash, flaky or crusted skin
• Changes in the skin, dimpling, puckering or redness
• 'Orange Peel' appearance of the skin caused by unusually enlarged pores
• Swelling in your armpit or around your collarbone
• Pain in one part of your breast or armpit
What to do if you find something?
If you do notice any change in your breasts please make an appointment with us without delay so that you can be fully assessed and referred as necessary. At the Slievemore General Practice we recommend that women examine their own breasts at least monthly and become breast aware. They should request a breast examination six monthly to get an objective assessment. Between the ages of 50 and 64 we support women getting a mammogram every 2 years at the request of BreastCheck.
Osteoporosis
This is where the bones become thin and are at risk of fracture (such as hip fractures or vertebral collapse). Post menopausal women are particularly at risk. We offer risk factor assessment and DEXA referral with follow up and treatment as necessary. The severity of bone loss can be reduced by early and effective treatment hence reducing risks of fractures and pain.
Cardiovascular Risk Factors
A women’s risk of cardiovascular disease increases after the menopause. This is an ideal time to have a cardiovascular risk assessment done with our doctors who can screen for these risk factors and can advise on any lifestyle changes or treatment needed. This can help to maximise your future cardiovascular health and to help prevent illnesses such as heart attacks and strokes.
Smear testing link to smear tests page see below
Menopausal symptoms
The menopause can cause a range of symptoms, including hot flushes and night sweats, tiredness, difficulty sleeping, headaches, vaginal discomfort and a range of emotional symptoms. These symptoms vary from woman to woman. The use of HRT and the duration that a woman may take it for has changed significantly in the past number of years.  We can discuss the option of HRT as a symptomatic treatment for difficult menopausal symptoms on an individual basis. In addition there may be other treatments better suited to an individual depending on what the most troublesome symptoms are.

At the Slievemore General practice we offer screening, advice, treatment and referral as necessary. You may have one area you wish in particular to discuss or you may wish to avail of our Full Medical for Women(link) or Mini Medical for Women(link) to get assessed for all/some of the above factors.