Nearly 40% of women don’t feel that menopause symptoms are a reason to go to the doctor and more than 20% worry that contacting their GP will be seen as a waste of time
This is so worrying for two reasons:
Firstly, any symptom that is concerning you should be checked out, regardless of how silly you think it is. That is what doctors are there for; remember it is your National Health Service and you pay for this! So many menopause-like symptoms can be caused by other factors such as low iron, low thyroid or low vitamin D and do need investigating. These can be tested for and are easily treated.
Secondly, we know that stress and worry make symptoms worse, so the longer you worry, the more likely that this will be contributing to your symptoms as well. Unfortunately, some doctors do dismiss menopause symptoms and if you are already feeling low and vulnerable it doesn’t help to have your doctor say it’s all in your head! It is important that you get any worrying symptoms checked and if need be, take along a friend or relative for support or change your doctor for a more sympathetic one.
30% don’t think there is much that can be done to relieve symptoms of the menopause
Oh dear! Natural remedies, supplements and a healthy lifestyle can often be really helpful for most menopause symptoms. Yes, it does take a bit of hard work and you do need to persevere with these but it can make all the difference between a miserable menopause and a happy one! However, sometimes it is the very simple changes that work such as cutting out coffee, having some rest and relaxation and going for a 30 minute walk once a day!
Find out more about managing your symptoms using natural remedies on the treatment page at A.Vogel Talks Menopause, and for diet and lifestyle tips, head to our menopause tips page.
25% don’t feel very knowledgeable about what to expect
Why? We are the first menopause generation to have so much information at its fingertips and as women we should be making sure that we are all aware of what is likely to happen in the menopause. The menopause takes so many women unawares it is actually a bit frightening. We get invitations for smears every few years and most surgeries now have you in every so often to test for cholesterol, diabetes etc., so I wish they would also have a menopause clinic that women could join so that they, at least, have a rough idea of what is going to happen.
More than 30% have less confidence and 45% said they have very little or no confidence
The menopause can be a difficult time for many women, trying to juggle home, family and jobs and come to terms with a changing body, and often something has to give. Unfortunately we nearly always put ourselves to the back of the queue and looking after ourselves becomes a luxury. This can really affect our confidence and self worth so it is very important for us to make sure we have a life as well!
Nearly 70% of women have felt unnoticed by the opposite sex and more than half of women have felt intimidated or overlooked at social events where younger women are present
This is a tough one and if our self-image is low because of the body changes going on, it can be difficult to feel glam and sexy! The menopause is a time for huge changes in our bodies, emotions and life in general and it is so important that we acknowledge this rather than fight it, or pretend that it is not happening. It is different for every woman and I guess it can be a bit of a lonely journey. Check out the article in the Daily Mail for two women’s views on this. It makes for interesting reading and may give you a few ideas.
The survey
It was certainly an interesting survey, but as I said before, none of the results are much of a surprise and they do reflect on the queries that we are getting through the menopause web pages. However, it is not all doom and gloom. The menopause can also be an exciting challenge and a time for us make more of an effort to look after ourselves for a change. Many women I know at this time have completely revamped their lives and are having the best time ever. It can be hard work but I know, from personal experience, that it is most definitely worth it – I am fitter and healthier that I was in my forties and am doing things that I would never have had the courage to do when I was younger, so there is hope for us all!
