Transition completely out of the taboo!
This week is the Week of Menopause. A good time to reflect on what happens in women's bodies and how best to deal with it. As a pharmacy, we are here for you with advice, information and support.
The menopause is becoming less and less of a taboo
Unfortunately, menopause is being talked about much more openly these days. Well-known women are sharing their experiences in the media, and more and more books, articles and podcasts are appearing on the subject. Healthcare providers are also paying more attention to menopause symptoms. This is important, because over 1 million women in the Netherlands are currently going through the menopause. The symptoms can be great, but help is available and discussable.
What is menopause?
The menopause is a natural phase in every woman's life. It usually begins between the ages of 45 and 55. Your body then makes fewer female hormones, such as estrogen. This can cause symptoms, such as:
- Fluxes
- Night sweats
- Fatigue
- Sleep problems
- Somnia or irritability
- Dry skin or vagina
- Less desire for sex
Hormone supplementation: what is it and how does it work?
One of the treatment options is hormone supplementation therapy (HST). This is a treatment in which you are given extra female hormones, usually estrogen. HST helps reduce menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, poor sleep and vaginal dryness.
Please note: Are you using only estrogen (such as estradiol) and still have a uterus? Then it is important that you also use a progestogen, consult your pharmacist about this. This protects the endometrium.
Below are the most common forms of HST:
-
Tablets (by mouth)
- Actives: estradiol + dydrogesterone or norethisterone
- Brand names: Femoston®, Angeliq®, Activelle®, Kliogest®
- Advantages: easy to use
- Disadvantages: slightly increased risk of thrombosis, mainly due to the so-called "first-pass effect" in the liver
-
Plasters (on skin)
- Active ingredient: estradiol
- Brand names: Estradot®, Systen®, Evorel®
- Extra: Combine with utrogestan® if you have a uterus
- Advantages: even release, less burden on liver
- Disadvantages: skin irritation possible
-
Gel or spray (on skin)
- Extra: Combine with utrogestan® in utero
- Advantages: quickly absorbed, flexible in dosage
- Disadvantages: daily use, caution with skin contact with others.
-
Vaginal applications (topical)
- Actives: estriol or estradiol
- Brand names: Vagifem®, Synapause-E3®, Estring®
- Advantages: effective for vaginal complaints
- Disadvantages: does not help against hot flashes or mood symptoms
For whom is HST appropriate?
HST is usually appropriate for moderate to severe symptoms. Not recommended in:
- breast cancer (current or past)
- thrombosis or heart disease
- unexplained blood loss
Always consult with your doctor or pharmacist.
The role of the pharmacy
In the pharmacy, we help you with:
- Explaining how to use the medication.
- Controlling medication use and side effects
- Personal advice about your situation
Other tips for menopause symptoms
In addition to hormones, you can also think of:
- Calcium and vitamin D for strong bones
- Exercise against gloom and obesity
- Sleep and rest through a regular rhythm
- Ontensity exercises against stress
Questions?
Please feel free to ask. We're happy to help.
Related articles
Other tips
- Books such as 'Oomen overflows'by Francine Oomen or 'You're not crazy, you have a hormone problem'by dr. Marjolein Dubbers
- Podcasts like About Menopause or Women's Brain