British Women Are Denying The Menopause - A Result Of Today's Anti-Aging Society?

Main Category: Menopause
Also Included In: Endocrinology
Article Date: 17 Jun 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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Some British women are in denial when it comes to the menopause, according to results of a new survey released. They are also failing to recognise the discreet early symptoms leading to a possible delay in seeking essential advice and treatment.1

The research reveals that a staggering one in ten women are unaware that the menopause is a naturally occurring event affecting all women as they enter midlife.1 Of those, a surprising 70% thought that the menopause was genetic and almost 10% thought it occurred as a result of general ill health.1

The survey also showed that there is confusion amongst women about the early symptoms of the menopause, particularly those that are discreet or sex related. Most women were able to recognise the commonly discussed early symptoms, such as hot flushes and changes to periods1; however, only just half (53%) were able to identify intimate (vaginal) dryness as a key early indicator of the menopause.1 In addition, barely any of the women surveyed (3%) knew that painful sex, which can result from vaginal dryness, is also an early sign of the menopause.1

Misinformation and fear can lead to a delay in seeking essential advice and treatment, potentially putting sex lives at risk. More than a quarter of women surveyed (26%) said they would not feel comfortable talking about the more intimate symptoms of the menopause - not even with their doctor or partner. Instead, they'd rather try to cope alone.1

Dr Annie Evans, Women's Healthcare Specialist comments, "I have many women telling me that sex is not as comfortable as it once was because they are experiencing strange pain and discomfort. They are often confused and scared and have no idea that they are suffering from one of the first and most common symptoms of the menopause - vaginal dryness. It is time for women to understand and tackle their intimate menopausal symptoms to help ensure they lead an active and happy sex life".

In addition, the survey results confirmed that there is also confusion as to the age that women go through the menopause. 27% of women surveyed did not know the correct age bracket a woman goes through the menopause1 (average onset is 50-52); with almost a quarter of respondents (23-24%) thinking it was much later in life.1

"It is time for women to make sure they understand the changes that their body will go through and be open and honest to themselves and their families - the menopause is nothing to be ashamed about. Women of menopausal age can be extremely sexy, confident and liberated, just look at Sex and the City's Samantha - Kim Cattrall!" Says Denise Knowles, Relate Counsellor and Sex Therapist.

Helpful lifestyle and treatment advice for menopausal women and their partners can be found at http://www.menopause-info.co.uk.

Notes

Survey population and further details

The survey was undertaken in April 2008 amongst 1,158 female UK residents. 43% of respondents were either in the early stages, going through or post the menopause. The survey population was aged 25+ with the majority (75%) made-up of people aged 35+ years. Survey participants were from all over the UK (London, Midlands, North East, Northern Ireland, North West, Scotland, South East, South West and Wales) and regional statistics are available.

Intimate dryness

Intimate (or vaginal) dryness is generally associated with changes to the vagina during the menopause and can be caused by diminishing levels of oestrogen.2 Intimate dryness can be a very painful condition which, if ignored, can lead to long-term urinary problems such as incontinence.2,3

The treatment of vaginal dryness may depend on which symptoms are the most troublesome. As the cause is often oestrogen deficiency, an effective way to help resolve the symptoms can be to replace missing oestrogen in the tissues.4 Localised oestrogen therapy comes in the form of vaginal tablets, pessaries or creams which are inserted directly into the vagina twice a week, or vaginal rings inserted every three months. These treatments can be very effective3, and unlike the conventional forms of HRT, they are low dose and the effects are local, therefore the risk of systemic side effects is reduced. Other non-oestrogen based treatments, such as moisturisers and lubricants, are also available.

About Novo Nordisk

Novo Nordisk is one of the world's leading manufacturers of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). For several decades, they have been at the forefront of HRT developments, and the products are used by women throughout the UK, Europe and the world.

In 1998, Novo Nordisk was the first company to launch a low dose, continuous combined HRT, and a low dose cyclical HRT followed in 2002. That meant that they are now able to offer a complete range of low dose HRT.

References

1. Tickbox UK survey. April 2008. Data on file.
2. Bachmann GA, Nevadunsky NS Diagnosis and treatment of atrophic vaginitis. Am Fam Physician 2000;61:3090-6.
3. Castelo-Branco C, Cancelo MJ, Villerohttp et al. Management of post-menopausal vaginal atrophy and atrophic vaginitis. European Menopause Journal 2005. 52(1): 46-52.
4. Goldstein I & Alexander JL. Practical aspects in the management of vaginal atrophy and sexual dysfunction in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. J Sex Med 2005;2(suppl 3):154-165.

Novo Nordisk