Recognising the Menopause

Men get it pretty lucky sometimes. We don’t get PMT and an unwelcome paint job once a month, we’ll never have to experience the pain of childbirth, and the worst kind of midlife crisis we get is a pierced ear and a race car. However, once women get to a certain age the menopause can hit them hard, and if you have a wife or girlfriend, you need to prepare yourself for it. It’s something that happens to every woman, a natural part of life; none of our youthful London escorts are anywhere near that stage, but it’s not something women look forward to!

It’s a good idea to know the signs that menopause is starting, so you can recognise what’s happening and help your partner through it. It often puts a real strain on the relationship because so many biological and hormonal changes happen. Not every woman experiences these symptoms, but they are quite common so here’s what to look out for.

First of all, her menstrual cycle will change; her periods may become heavier and will be irregular. They could come every couple of weeks, or not for months. This can last years, and eventually when the lady is past the menopause her periods will stop altogether. This indicates that she is no longer fertile. Usually, the menopause occurs around the age of 50 – the average age is 52. It can happen older or younger, but if it occurs before 45 it is known as ‘premature menopause’. You should still use contraception for two years after her last period as it is still possible for her to become pregnant – you don’t want any unwelcome surprises!

A very common symptom is hot flushes and night sweats; she will suddenly feel very hot in her upper body and her skin may turn red and blotchy. This can often interfere with a woman’s sleep pattern, which may result in her becoming irritable or forgetful.

Some ladies encounter urinary problems around this time such as cystitis, which can make it painful to urinate. Vaginal problems are also reported, where it can become dried out and itchy making sex uncomfortable.

Usually the symptoms of menopause last for 2 to 5 years, but they can go on even longer. Some women will suffer more than others, and in these cases there are hormone treatments which may help alleviate symptoms. Your partner will need your support throughout this difficult time, so even if she’s impossible try to bear with her!