'Gorilla’s in the Mist' is how one woman described herself! Excess hair is a common problem which is experienced by many  women throughout life not just at menopause time. Little can be done about excess hair other than opting for higher maintenance on the waxing and bleaching front, however, there are newer hair removal techniques such as laser and IPL which can help. Loosing your crowning glory …?  Hair loss around the crown of the head can be a particularly distressing experience for women.   It is best to talk to your GP early on to get advice on diet and potential nutritional supplements such may help with this problem. This is a common problem which is experienced by many women throughout life not just at menopause time. Try a good lubricant during sex or a doctor can recommend some topical estrogen creams which will help with this problem. Changing hormone levels can result in a number of sexual difficulties throughout menopause including low libido, discomfort during intercourse and loss of interest in the sexual partner are common.  Your GP can check your hormone levels just to make sure things are normal, however, change in libido can be down to a number of factors including psychological or physical ones. Oestrogen when plentiful maintains the size, shape, lining and flexibility of the vagina. It also profoundly influences the vagina’s response to touch, through its effect on sensation, lubrication and blood supply. Insufficient oestrogen can cause changes that make intercourse uncomfortable, painful or even impossible. Other effects include difficulty in achieving orgasm.  Feeling good about  yourself, using a good lubricant, working on your sex life can all play a major role in keeping your sex life on track. HRT can also help with these side effects.

Excessive bleeding and tiredness … Those who experience excessive bleeding such as two bleeds in one month can feel exhausted and wiped out.   They will need to ensure their intake iron and vitamin C is sufficient. Plenty of green vegetables, red meat three times a week and potentially an iron supplement if required. A drop in oestrogen levels can result in gradual deterioration of tissues in not just the vaginal area, but the urinary track. Symptoms can present themselves some years after as a sudden urge to go to the loo, or leakage due to sudden movements such as coughing.  Pelvic floor exercises when done properly through a good physiotherapist can make all the difference, your GP can give you further advice on other treatments and procedures which can help.