Menopause & Perimenopause

Menopause is caused by the natural decline of reproductive hormones, particularly oestrogen and progesterone, as the ovaries gradually stop producing eggs. This typically occurs between ages 45-55. Menopause can also be induced by medical treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgical removal of the ovaries, resulting in immediate hormonal changes.

Menopause typically begins between ages 45-55, with the average age being 51. However, timing varies significantly due to genetics, lifestyle, smoking, and medical history. Early menopause can occur before age 40, while late menopause may happen after 55. Perimenopause usually starts several years before menopause.

Premature menopause occurs when menopause begins before age 40, affecting approximately 1% of women. It can result from genetic factors, autoimmune conditions, medical treatments like chemotherapy or radiation, or surgical removal of the ovaries. Women experiencing premature menopause may face increased health risks and should seek medical guidance for hormone therapy and long-term health management.

Menopause brings various physical and emotional changes as hormone levels decline. Common menopause symptoms include:

• Hot flashes and night sweats 
• Irregular or stopped periods 
• Mood swings and anxiety 
• Sleep disturbances 
• Vaginal dryness and discomfort 
• Reduced libido 
• Weight gain and slower metabolism 
• Thinning hair and dry skin 
• Joint aches and memory fog

Dr. Nerina Wilkinson + Associates specialises in treating the skin changes, hair concerns, and intimate health issues that accompany menopause. Book your consultation with us today to find the most effective treatment for your menopause symptoms.

The first perimenopause symptoms typically include irregular menstrual cycles, with periods becoming unpredictable in timing, flow, and duration.

Early signs also include mood swings, irritability, anxiety, sleep disturbances, occasional hot flashes, night sweats, breast tenderness, and decreased fertility. Some women may experience brain fog, joint aches, and changes in libido.

These symptoms usually begin in the mid-40s as oestrogen and progesterone levels start fluctuating, often occurring several years before actual menopause. Symptoms can vary significantly between women in both intensity and progression.

Menopause creates diverse emotional and physical experiences that vary greatly among women.

Many feel frustrated by unpredictable symptoms like hot flashes and sleep disruption, anxious about body changes, or overwhelmed by sudden mood changes and irritability.

Some experience sadness about fertility loss, reduced confidence due to physical changes, or stress from intimate discomfort affecting relationships.

However, many women also report feeling liberated from monthly cycles, more self-assured, and empowered to focus on personal goals.

The emotional journey often includes grief for youth alongside excitement for newfound freedom and wisdom.

Menopause itself is officially reached after 12 consecutive months without a period, but the transition process varies significantly.

Perimenopause typically lasts 2-10 years before menopause, with an average of 4 years. Post-menopause continues for the rest of a woman’s life, though acute symptoms like hot flashes usually subside within 2-5 years.

However, some women experience symptoms for up to 10 years or longer.

The entire menopausal transition, from first irregular periods to when most symptoms diminish significantly or disappear entirely, generally spans 4-8 years.

The best treatment for menopause depends on your specific symptoms and goals. While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) addresses systemic symptoms, many women seek additional solutions for specific concerns. At Dr. Nerina Wilkinson + Associates, we offer proven aesthetic and wellness treatments that effectively address menopausal changes.

For skin concerns like dryness and loss of firmness, we recommend advanced skin rejuvenation treatments, laser & light therapy, medical-grade skincare, and cosmetic injectables. These treatments work synergistically to restore collagen production, improve hydration, reduce fine lines, and return firmness to your skin.

For hair thinning and texture changes, our scalp rejuvenation treatments, genetic hair analysis & personalised treatment, and medical-grade hair care effectively stimulate new growth, strengthen existing hair, and create customised solutions based on your genetic profile for optimal results.

For intimate health issues like dryness and discomfort, our injectable rejuvenation treatments, intimate dermal filler, and laser rejuvenation treatments restore natural moisture, improve comfort during intimacy, and enhance overall intimate wellness.

Each treatment is carefully selected and combined to create a comprehensive plan that addresses your unique menopausal symptoms. Book your consultation with us today to discover which treatments will best support your menopause journey.

Menopause is a natural transition that requires a proactive approach to maintain your health and wellbeing.

Focus on maintaining a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, engage in regular exercise including weight-bearing activities, prioritise quality sleep, and manage stress through relaxation techniques or mindfulness practices.

Stay hydrated, limit alcohol and caffeine consumption, and avoid smoking to help manage the severity of symptoms. Regular health screenings become increasingly important during this time, including bone density tests and cardiovascular assessments.

For specific concerns like skin changes, hair thinning, or intimate discomfort, consider professional treatments that can effectively address these issues.

At Dr. Nerina Wilkinson + Associates, we offer comprehensive solutions including advanced skin rejuvenation, scalp rejuvenation treatments, and intimate health procedures to help you feel confident and comfortable throughout this transition.

Most importantly, listen to your body, seek support when needed, and remember that menopause can be an empowering time of renewed focus on your health and personal goals. Book an expert consultationwith us to create a personalised plan for your menopause journey.

Pregnancy is extremely unlikely but not impossible during menopause, especially in the early stages. 

During perimenopause, when periods become irregular, ovulation can still occur sporadically, making pregnancy possible, though rare. However, once you’ve reached true menopause – defined as 12 consecutive months without a period – natural pregnancy is virtually impossible as the ovaries have stopped releasing eggs.

If you’re under 50 and haven’t had a period for less than two years, or under 55 and haven’t had a period for less than one year, contraception is still recommended. Women over 55 who haven’t menstruated for 12 months are generally considered postmenopausal and no longer fertile.

It’s important to distinguish between menopause and temporary absence of periods due to other factors like stress, illness, or medical treatments. 

If you’re unsure about your menopausal status or have concerns about fertility, consult with a healthcare provider for proper assessment and guidance.

Choosing the right treatment for menopause begins with a professional consultation with experienced women’s wellness specialists. This crucial step allows for an in-depth analysis of your specific symptoms, helping both you and your specialist to understand the nature of your concerns and objectives.

At our clinic, we pride ourselves on offering a detailed menopause consultation. This process gives you the opportunity to explore and articulate your concerns thoroughly, whether relating to skin changes, hair thinning, or intimate health. Our all-female team of experts will then offer tailored advice, focusing on your unique menopausal experience. This meticulous evaluation is essential in crafting a customised treatment plan that aligns with your specific goals.

Book your consultation with us today to find the most effective treatment for your menopause symptoms.