Back To Menopause School

We think being armed with up-to-date, relevant knowledge is so important when it comes to making decisions about our health, and in this age of disinformation it is so easy to get confused when we see and read lots of conflicting information on TV, in the papers and on social media.  We have put together a quiz to test your menopause knowledge so you can see what you already know, and fill in the gaps.  Answers are at the bottom of the page.

• What are the two main hormones we stop producing during (peri)menopause?
• What is the average duration of the menopause?
• Roughly what percentage of women experiencing menopause symptoms reported feeling depressed?
• True or false: Women experiencing depression for the first time at menopause should be offered antidepressants before HRT.
• What proportion of women in the UK are taking HRT to treat menopause symptoms?
• How many women had to visit their GP about menopause symptoms more than twice before being offered support for those symptoms?
• True or false: HRT means taking a tablet every day for the rest of my life.
• Loss of libido is a common menopause symptom, but what is the medical treatment for this?
• True or false: Supplements can help relieve menopause symptoms.

Answers:

1. Oestrogen and Progesterone (half a point for each)
2. The average duration is 4 years, although individuals may experience symptoms for up to fifteen years.  Give yourself a point for answers between 3 and 6 years
3. Almost half of women surveyed by Nuffield Health reported depression as a symptom.  47% of women said they felt depressed, with 37% reporting feelings of anxiety[1].  Give yourself a point for answers between 40 and 60%
4. False.  There is no evidence to support the prescribing of antidepressants to menopausal women experiencing depression, according to NICE guidelines[2].  Sadly, many women are still offered antidepressants by their GP instead of HRT, which is more effective at alleviating depression caused by hormonal imbalance in menopause
5. Just 1 in 10 women are currently taking HRT, despite there being a much higher proportion of women experiencing symptoms that could be eased with HRT.  Give yourself a point for answers up to 3 in 10 women
6. A staggering 6 in 10 women had to visit their GP more than twice, while 2 in 10 made a shocking six visits before they were actually given any support or treatment for their symptoms.  Give yourself a point for answers between 50 and 70% (or 5 in 10 to 7 in 10)
7. False.  HRT can be given as a tablet, but there are also transdermal patches, pessaries, creams and gels.  The doses used, and the length of the treatment varies according to individual need and should be discussed with a specialist
8. If HRT is already being used but has not helped with a low libido, testosterone supplements can help raise your sex drive2
9. True.  While supplements can't replace hormones and aren't a substitute for HRT, dietary supplements help keep the systems of the body working efficiently and contribute to our overall health and wellbeing.  Supplements can address specific issues, like gut health or joint pain, which helps to alleviate symptoms caused by menopause

So, how did you do?

0-3       Hot flush – you know what menopause is, and you have an idea of what  to expect but there's still more to learn

4-6       Can't stand the heat – you are clued up about a lot of aspects of the menopause, and were probably thrown by the fact that women still aren't being treated promptly or appropriately for their menopause symptoms

7-9       Hot to trot – you're a menopause expert, and you may be one of those women who has experienced the ugly truth about accessing support from your healthcare provider.  Give yourself a pat on the back and a piece of chocolate!

[1]    https://www.nuffieldhealth.com/article/one-in-four-with-menopause-symptoms-concerned-about-ability-to-cope-with-life

[2]    https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23/chapter/Recommendations#diagnosis-of-perimenopause-and-menopause