Menopause is the time in a woman’s life when her periods stop. It usually happens naturally, most often after the age of 45. Menopause occurs because the ovaries stop producing the hormones oestrogen and progesterone.

The best clinics in Switzerland employ highly qualified gynaecologists who carry out a full examination, prescribe the optimal medication for hormone replacement therapy and monitor women’s health throughout the treatment of menopause.

An essential condition for effective treatment in Switzerland is an individual approach to the choice of medication and dosage, tailored to the condition of each patient.

The Female Sex Hormone Oestrogen in Brief

Oestrogen is a hormone produced by the body, and it is present in both women and men. However, oestrogen levels are highest in women, which is why it is also called the female hormone. The male hormone is testosterone.

Oestrogen is produced in the ovaries and is important for many functions throughout life. It also plays an important role in the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and childbirth.

Why Do Women Reach Menopause?

The female sex hormones are produced in the ovaries. They are oestrogen and progesterone, of which oestrogen is the better known. Both are equally important, however, and each has its own role in a woman’s body.

Oestrogen builds up the lining of the uterus, strengthens and maintains the mucous membranes of the vagina and urinary tract, and counteracts bone loss; oestrogen also helps to prevent atherosclerosis.

Progesterone maintains the lining of the uterus, which keeps periods regular.

Menopause occurs because the body produces less oestrogen and progesterone. As a result, periods become irregular and other symptoms of menopause begin.

Symptoms of Menopause

The First Signs of Menopause

Most women approaching menopause experience hot flushes: sudden feelings of warmth that spread through the upper body, often with redness and sweating. These flushes can range from mild in most women to severe in others.

You may also notice:

  • Irregular or missed periods
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Breast tenderness
  • A need to urinate more often
  • Sleep problems
  • Emotional changes
  • Dry skin, eyes or mouth

Symptoms of Menopause

Later symptoms often include:

  • Tiredness
  • Depression
  • Moodiness
  • A racing heart
  • Headaches
  • Joint and muscle aches and pains
  • Weight gain
  • Hair loss
  • Changes in libido (sex drive)

Diagnosing Menopause

A gynaecologist establishes menopause when a woman has had no period for the past 12 months and her age corresponds to the generally accepted norms for the decline of ovarian function. In some cases the examination is supplemented by a blood test for FSH levels.

To rule out risks, the diagnosis of menopause is supplemented by the following examinations:

  • gynaecological examination: physical examination, colposcopy, pelvic ultrasound, swabs and a Pap test;
  • breast ultrasound and mammography;
  • ECG;
  • blood biochemistry;
  • TSH blood test;
  • urine test.

If necessary, the doctor may arrange consultations with other specialists (an endocrinologist, a breast specialist and others).

A comprehensive approach to diagnosing menopause helps to rule out the risk of its consequences. The doctor determines how often screening examinations should take place. The specialist also recommends keeping track of the frequency and regularity of periods and examining the breasts regularly.

The main approaches to treating menopause include:

  • non-drug treatment of menopause (including physical activity, diet and so on);
  • drug treatment, aimed mainly at stabilising the nervous system in moderate and severe menopausal symptoms. The course of treatment includes vitamins, sedatives and antidepressants;
  • hormone therapy. This treatment of menopausal syndrome is indicated only in cases where other methods have not been effective.