ABSTRACT
This chapter examines what menopause is and its symptoms and effects, discusses knowledge of the various hormone replacement therapy options, their adverse effects, contraindications and risks, and explores the names of treatments available for osteoporosis associated with menopause. The nature, timing and severity of menopausal symptoms vary with the individual; some women have virtually no symptoms while others may need both medicinal and psychosocial support. Menopause usually occurs after 50 years, but can occur 10 years earlier. Symptoms include emotional changes and mood swings, cardiovascular symptoms, for example, tachycardia and arrhythmias and symptoms of generalised vasodilation, including headaches and 'hot flushes', androgenic symptoms, e.g. facial and body hair growth, pain in joints, and insomnia and fatigue. The symptoms also include dry itchy skin and genital discomfort due to decreased mucosal secretions; vaginal atrophy and increased risk of vaginal infection; increased risk of urinary infections and urinary incontinence; loss of skin firmness and plasticity; and osteoporosis.
