PRESS RELEASE for immediate release: 3 November 2011 Menopausal symptoms you may not recognise most women know that the menopause can cause hot flushes, night sweats and mood swings. But there are many other symptoms that are also linked to hormonal changes at this time of life but tend to be overlooked. in the 50th issue (Autumn 2011) of the Menopause Exchange newsletter, consultant gynaecologist Dr Claudine Domoney discusses menopausal symptoms that are commonly misdiagnosed and possible ways to manage them. she covers periods and associated symptoms, thyroid trouble, aches and pains, bowel, bladder and vaginal symptoms and mood and emotions. “The menopause causes a wide range of symptoms, and every woman’s experience is unique,” says Norma Goldman, founder and director of the Menopause Exchange. “The fact that the symptoms are associated with hormonal changes may not always be clear at first. However, menopausal women shouldn’t assume that all of their symptoms are due to the menopause and must speak to their GP to establish the cause of any new symptoms.” the Menopause Exchange is completely independent – it’s not sponsored by any companies and is funded purely by subscriptions from individuals and healthcare professionals. Other articles in the Autumn 2011 issue include oestrogen-only and ‘bleed’ HRT, weight gain at the menopause and the menopause at work. To celebrate the 50th issue of the Menopause Exchange newsletter, we have a special offer for new members. become a member of the Menopause Exchange before the end of January 2012 to receive our special offer. this includes one free back issue of the Menopause Exchange newsletter and two free fact sheets in addition to the usual membership entitlements. (Members of the Menopause Exchange receive four issues of the newsletter, regular fact sheets, use of the information service and access to the ‘Ask the Experts’ panel). Annual individual membership to the Menopause Exchange is £18. Visit the Menopause Exchange website at menopause-exchange.co.uk. for more information on the Menopause Exchange, write to the Menopause Exchange at PO Box 205, Bushey, Herts WD23 1ZS, call 020 8420 7245, fax 020 8954 2783 or send an e-mail to norma@menopause-exchange.co.uk end NOTES FOR EDITORS: 1. The Menopause Exchange was launched in June 1999. 2. The founder and director of the Menopause Exchange is Norma Goldman, a pharmacist with a Master’s degree in health promotion. she gives talks on the menopause to employees in the workplace and hospitals, women and women’s groups, healthcare professionals, GP practices, organisations, health clubs and at exhibitions. her daughter, Victoria, the editor of the newsletter, is an experienced health journalist with a BSc. degree in Biomedical Science and a Master’s degree in Science Communication. 3. The aim of the Menopause Exchange is to raise the awareness of the menopause among women, healthcare professionals (e.g. nurses and pharmacists) and complementary practitioners. 4. Topics covered in previous issues of the newsletter include: the perimenopause; HRT questions you forgot to ask your doctor; easing flushes and sweats without HRT; treating vaginal dryness; sleeping better at the menopause; phytoestrogen and herb safety; menopause relief through your pharmacy; essential fatty acids; screening for women over 50 and premature menopause. 5. UK annual membership (4 issues of the newsletter, regular fact sheets, use of the information service and ‘Ask the Experts’ panel) costs £18 for individuals; £22 for local organisations; £40 for companies/national organisations; corporate (over 10 copies) and overseas memberships are available on request. 6. All press enquiries to Norma Goldman on 020 8420 7245.

Night sweats, mood swings and sleepless nights are experienced by 45 per cent of women going through the ?menopause.

They are caused by falling levels of oestrogen and can last up to six years. Taking HRT can remedy them, but increasingly women ?prefer self-help. ?

Consultant gynaecologist Jasmin Sajjad, of Spire ?Liverpool Hospital, reveals which products really work…

Beat hot flushes: We get expert opinion on treatments for menopause symptoms

?23, 0117 9710710, ladycare-uk.com

A small magnet to attach to the front of the underwear. it is ideally worn for 24 hours a day and is thought to help rebalance the ?hormones. in a study of 500 women who used it for three months, 70 per cent said it helped reduce their symptoms.

EXPERT VIEW: This may have a placebo effect, but otherwise I do not see how a magnet can restore a drop in oestrogen.

?24.95, personalcooling.co.uk

A 2cm-thick cooling pad, which fits inside a pillow for night-time hot flushes. it should be filled with tap water. The ?internal foam core keeps it cool.

EXPERT VIEW: This might help cool you down during a flush, but so would a fan. again, it might bring a slight placebo effect, so if it works for some, fine.

?19.99 for 30 tablets, Boots; promensil.co.uk

A one-a-day tablet that contains isoflavones — an extract derived from red clover that mimics the effect of oestrogen. A study found that Promensil reduced hot flushes by 44 per cent, compared to only 16 per cent in a placebo group. it has also been found to reduce cholesterol, depression and ?anxiety in post-menopausal women.

EXPERT VIEW: There is scientific evidence that isoflavones are safe and help with menopausal ?symptoms, especially hot flushes. During the menopause, the way the body metabolises fats changes. This causes a rise in the bad type of cholesterol, which is why postmenopausal women become more prone to heart attacks and strokes. Isoflavones can help regulate cholesterol production.

?9.99 for six applicators, pharmacies and replensmd.co.uk

A drug-free moisturising gel for vaginal dryness that contains mainly ?purified water (78.8 per cent). it is modified to release slowly and lasts for up to three days per application. This is available over the counter and by prescription on the NHS.

EXPERT VIEW: Dryness is one of the most common problems among my menopausal patients. Falling oestrogen reduces the ?elasticity, blood flow and ?secretions. I normally prescribe an oestrogen tablet or vaginal cream.

This gel should provide some relief. It’s a good option for women who want to avoid medication.

?9.99 for 30 tablets, Boots; menoherb.co.uk

A daily tablet containing extract of black cohosh root, a member of the buttercup family said to help with hot flushes, night sweats and temporary changes in mood.

EXPERT VIEW: Black cohosh is one of the most commonly used herbal treatments for the ?menopause — one study found it reduced symptoms by 26 per cent. however, some experts say more information is needed to clarify its safety. There are? ?concerns it may affect the liver.

?9.99 for 30 tablets

A one-a-day supplement containing ?calcium to help maintain bone ?density, flaxseed lignans and soy ?isoflavones, to ?stabilise oestrogen levels.

EXPERT VIEW: The plant oestrogens in this will improve menopausal symptoms, while the calcium will strengthen bones. This is a good budget buy.

?24.95 for a month’s supply, pharmacies and femarelle.co.uk

A capsule containing a c?ombination of plant oestrogens, such as isoflavones, derived from fermented soya. These are said to stimulate ?oestrogen receptors in the body, helping to boost the effect of the ?oestrogen still being produced. The supplement is also said to increase bone mineral density, which often suffers as a result of low levels of oestrogen. A study found it can help with hot flushes, headaches and joint and muscle pain, too.

EXPERT VIEW: This product does help with bone-building — and brittle bones are a common ?problem for menopausal women. it has a protective effect against breast and uterine cancer. More studies are needed into how much it helps with other ?menopausal symptoms, because the ?trials so far have been small.

RATING: 8/10

SURESIGN MENOPAUSE TEST

?6.98 for a pack of two, supermarkets and pharmacies

This detects levels of ?follicle- stimulating ?hormone (FSH) — these levels rise during the ?run-up to the menopause. The test works like a pregnancy test, checking your urine for ?levels of FSH. The manufacturers claim that it can determine in just three ?minutes whether you are ?perimenopausal (ie, ?approaching menopause), have reached the menopause or gone through it.

EXPERT VIEW: This won’t give an accurate result.

It is not just levels of FSH that ?determines whether or not ?someone is ?menopausal — other hormones such as ?luteinising ?hormone and estradiol are ?relevant, too.

The only true way to ?determine if you are peri-menopausal or have had the menopause is a blood test ?performed by your GP.

RATING: 3/10