Menopause - With a Better Future

With advancing age there are some well known changes that occur in the body of a woman as a normal process. Hair graying, skin wrinkling and deterioration in eyesight are well known and well accepted changes. Reduced hormone secretion by the ovaries in a woman occurs around the age of 35 years and progresses gradually. This hormonal decline eventually reduces the frequency and duration of menses till the menstruation comes to a full stop. This period of change is called "Climacteric" and the cessation of the menstrual cycle is known as "Menopause". It is a normal event of maturing years in a woman's life.

There are certain unpleasant symptoms that accompany the decline in hormonal level, which can cause varying amounts of discomfort to a woman. Common symptoms are sudden feelings of "hot flushes", "palpitation" and "perspiration" lasting for a few minutes and then subsiding. There may be other symptoms like "depression", "irritability", "forgetfulness" and "headaches," etc. In different women these symptoms may vary in intensity.

All these complaints can be reversed with proper Hormonal Replacement Therapy (HRT) with female sex hormones. However the, treatment must be advised correctly by a doctor, preferably by a Gynecologist. Women must consult their family doctor or Gynecologist for advice, as there is a great need for a proper examination of the body systems before starting such a treatment.

Hormone Replacement Therapy or HRT as it is commonly known, carries some risk of its own, although it will relive the symptoms of menopause immediately. A general check-up and proper dosage for each individual is necessary. HRT may not be advisable under certain circumstances in some cases, such as those who have had breast cancer or any major liver diseases. Therefore, consultation with an appropriate Gynecologist is highly recommended.

Aga Khan University Hospital offers consultation to women who are undergoing pre and post menopause at the Menopause Clinic conducted by Consultants on Tuesday from 1:00 P.M.-4:00P.M. in the Consulting Clinic (CC4).

Women will be seen by the Consultant and necessary examination and tests will be carried out before giving the therapy. Women are encouraged to ask any questions that are bothering them or need clarification and also provide guidance to follow-up treatment.

HRT also protects women from future coronary insufficiency and osteoporosis, which are very likely to occur from five to ten years after the menopause.

Please get your appointment now and fell free to contract us at:

Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi
P.O Box 3500, Stadium Road, Karachi-74800, Pakistan.
Telephone 92-21-4861034, 4861035
Email: marketing@aku.edu