Menopause: Understanding the Midlife Transition For Greater Comfort

What Is Menopause?

Menopause is a natural part of ageing that signifies the end of a woman’s reproductive life. It typically occurs between the ages of 30s to mid-50s, with an average age being around 50 years old. You are considered menopausal after 12 consecutive months of not having periods.

During this transition, your ovaries produce less oestrogen and progesterone, leading to various physical and emotional changes. These hormonal changes affect your body resulting in symptoms such as hot flashes, mood changes, sleep disturbances and even joint and muscle discomfort.

In Singapore, the average age of menopause is 49 years old, slightly lower than the global average.

Menopause isn’t just a biological event – it’s a significant life transition. This period presents an opportunity to review your health, lifestyle and personal goals.

With the right support and care, you can get through this and move on to the next chapter.

Book your consultation today and get you personalised advice and support to help you through this with ease.

Menopause Symptoms

Your periods may change: Menstrual cycles can become irregular and unpredictable, often getting shorter or longer and some months may be skipped entirely as oestrogen levels fluctuate.
Cardiac effects: Intermittent dizziness or abnormal sensations, such as prickling, tingling, numbness, cardiac palpitations or fast heart rhythm, and heightened sensitivity can occur more often.
Sensitive teeth: You may experience increased tooth sensitivity due to bone loss in the jaw.
Hair growth: Hormonal changes can cause hair growth, this is more commonly seen as an increase in facial hair.
Hot flushes: You may feel warm more than usual and your face flushes, which is often accompanied by sweating. This can happen day or night.
Worsening premenstrual syndrome (PMS): Signs of premenstrual syndrome, such as fatigue, mood swings, and stress, may get worse as you approach the menopausal age.
Sleep problems: You may experience insomnia more frequently, especially due to night sweats that can disrupt your sleep. Your sleeping pattern can also be affected due to trouble falling asleep.
Mood swings: Your mood can become unpredictable, one minute you feel fine, the next you are irritable and anxious.
Weak bladder control: Your pelvic muscles become weak which affects your bladder control leading to leaks when you laugh, cough, or sneeze.
Sex feels different: With lower oestrogen levels, vulvovaginal atrophy may occur, a condition where the vaginal lining becomes drier, thinner, and less elastic, which causes pain during penetrative sex (dyspareunia).
Your body shape changes: Even if your diet remains the same or controlled, you may still gain weight, especially around your abdomen since fat distribution becomes unequal.
Brain fog: Your cognitive function can be affected as well which makes focusing on your daily activities a struggle and you may tend to be more forgetful.
Body aches and pains: Joints and muscles start to feel stiff and your body pains and aches become more frequent.
• Skin and mouth becomes dry and itchy: Your skin feels drier and itchier than before and more prone to irritation.

Struggling with any of these menopausal symptoms? Guo Tai is here to help by offering personalised and time-tested treatments to alleviate your discomfort and improve your well-being.

Don’t suffer in silence. Book your consultation with Guo Tai TCM today and to get the help and support you need as you go through this transition.

When Should I Consult My TCM Physician

If you think you are already going through menopause, please consult your healthcare provider. The following are the possible signs:

Periods start to become irregular
Hot flushes and night sweats
Vaginal dryness
Irregular sleeping patterns
Mood swings

Menopause Stages

Menopause happens in three distinct stages. Each stage brings unique changes and challenges for women as their bodies transition through this natural process.

Perimenopause (Menopause Transition)

Perimenopause is the first stage of menopause. It usually starts in your 40s but can begin 8 to 10 years before menopause. During this time your ovaries start to produce less oestrogen. Your periods start to become irregular, shorter or longer than usual.

Common experiences:
• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Mood swings
• Vaginal dryness
• Sleep problems

These symptoms can be mild or severe. Some women cruise through perimenopause with no issues at all, others find it tough.

Perimenopause can last from a few months to several years. It’s a good time to start thinking about lifestyle changes that can help you manage symptoms and your long-term health.

Menopause

Menopause is diagnosed when you’ve not had a period for 12 months. At this stage, your ovaries have stopped releasing eggs and producing most of their oestrogen. It’s also the time when your symptoms start to get worse.

Common experiences include:

More hot flashes
More mood changes
Loss of bone density
Changes in sexual desire

It’s important to discuss with your GP how to effectively manage these symptoms, so you can also protect your overall health. Your GP will lay down options like hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or other treatments that will help you feel better and more comfortable.

Postmenopause

Postmenopause is the stage after menopause. It starts after you’ve not had a period for a full year and continues for the rest of your life.

In postmenopause, some menopausal symptoms may subside but others can persist. Common experiences:

Hot flashes (though less intense)
Vaginal dryness
Urinary tract problems
Increased risk of osteoporosis and heart disease

To better manage your health during postmenopause, keeping a healthy lifestyle and having regular check-ups with your GP are crucial. This will also keep you from being at risk of any related health problems.

Who Is at Risk of Menopause?

You may be surprised to find out that all women will go through menopause at some point in their lives. It’s a natural part of ageing. You’ll usually go through menopause between 45-55.

Some risk factors can cause early menopause:

Surgery to remove your ovaries
Certain cancer treatments
Smoking
Family history

Premature menopause can occur before the age of 40. This condition, also known as primary ovarian insufficiency, affects approximately 1% of women. It’s characterised by the early cessation of menstrual periods due to the ovaries’ inability to produce sufficient oestrogen.

called primary ovarian insufficiency.

Your ethnicity may also play a role. Studies show that some groups tend to go through menopause earlier than others:

Hispanic women
African American women
White women
Asian women

Autoimmune diseases or chromosome abnormalities can also cause early menopause.

While menopause is a natural life stage and not a disease itself, it can increase the risk of certain health conditions, including:

Heart disease
Osteoporosis
Urinary tract problems
Stroke

To stay healthy you should:

Maintain a healthier diet
Exercise
Get enough calcium and vitamin D
Quit smoking if you smoke
See your doctor for regular check-ups

Think you’re at risk of menopause? Contact Guo Tai TCM for a consultation and we’ll help you to cruise through this crucial period of your life.

Menopause Causes

Natural Part of Ageing: Ovaries stop oestrogen and progesterone, the hormones that control your monthly cycle, as you get older.
Genetics: Family history can affect menopausal timing.
Smoking: Linked to earlier onset.
Body Weight: Being very thin may influence menopausal timing.
Childbearing: Never having children can affect age of onset.
Surgical Ovary Removal (Oophorectomy): Immediate menopause with sudden and severe symptoms.
Cancer Treatments (Chemotherapy/Radiation): May cause early menopause, though periods might resume after treatment.
Autoimmune Diseases: May cause the ovaries to stop working before age 40, a condition known as premature ovarian failure.

Menopause Treatments Offered by Guo Tai TCM

Hormone therapy and herbal remedies can help with menopause symptoms. Two innovative approaches combine traditional wisdom with modern technology to give you relief.

95 Imperial Herbal Therapy

This therapy combines ancient Chinese medicine with modern technology. It uses 95 carefully selected herbs tailored to your health needs. The herbs are applied through your skin using a special pod. This helps your body absorb the herbs better.

Before the therapy, you’ll have a consultation with a physician first. They’ll look at your health history and do some tests to determine if you have any other underlying medical conditions. Then they’ll mix 8 special herb blends, specially made based on your condition. After your treatment, your doctor will recommend ways to keep your health at its best state.

The therapy can increase your blood flow and energy. It may help your body heal faster and fight off illness. Many people find they need less medication after trying this treatment.

Herbal King Moxibustion

This gentle treatment uses 39 Chinese herbs and is called the “King of Moxibustion” for the healing and benefits it can give to the body. In this treatment, there’s no need for you to take any pills because the herbs will go through your skin.

Herbal King Moxibustion can help your body in many ways. It can ease pain, reduce swelling, and increase energy. It’s a good treatment to address various health issues that cause your body to feel weak and lethargic.

The treatment can warm you up and get rid of dampness. It’s good for unblocking energy in your body, so you will feel more refreshed and regain your balance after the treatment.

At Guo Tai TCM, we ensure you get the perfect treatments suited to deal with menopausal symptoms and make the whole experience more bearable. You deserve a life free from discomfort and pain. Book your consultation today and start your journey to better menopausal management.

Other Menopause Treatments

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

This is a common treatment for menopause symptoms. It replaces the hormones your body no longer produces. HRT can help with hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness by increasing your hormonal levels. This treatment also helps in keeping your bones healthy.

Estrogen therapy (ET)

This option involves taking hormone oestrogen on a regular basis and is often used if you’ve had a hysterectomy. This also helps in replenishing low oestrogen levels so your bones and skin remain healthy.

Estrogen progestogen therapy (EPT)

Also called combination therapy due to its usage of estrogen and a hormone similar to progesterone, EPT is a hormone therapy for people who still have their uteruses. It helps in decreasing menopause symptoms, improves bone health, increases sex drive, and helps you manage your weight more effectively.

Topical hormone therapy

This treatment option comes in creams, gels, or patches. These are applied directly to your skin to help with specific symptoms like vaginal dryness or hot flashes

If your concern is about your bone health, there are also medications that help prevent osteoporosis and other bone issues as you age. The most common of these medications is bisphosphonates, which can be taken by mouth weekly or monthly but can also be injected through a vein or the process called infusion annually.

It’s time to experience a more gentle but effective alternative, book your consultation and achieve a healthier lifestyle with Guo Tai TCM.

Other non-hormonal options

Antidepressants to reduce hot flashes and mood swings.
Gabapentin (originally used for seizures) to reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes.
Fezolinetant (newer non-hormonal to target hot flashes.
Oxybutynin (used for bladder issues) to reduce hot flashes.

Menopause Diagnosis

Doctors can diagnose menopause through a combination of methods. Your symptoms and medical history play a big part, along with some tests to check hormone levels.

TCM Diagnosis

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a different way of diagnosing menopause. TCM practitioners will not only discuss with you your symptoms but also look at your medical history and overall health. They check your pulse and your tongue to get a clear understanding of your body’s balance.

TCM sees menopause as a natural shift of energy. Practitioners will ask about your sleep, mood, digestion, lifestyle, and stress levels to assess your overall health. This holistic approach helps create a tailored treatment plan for you.

Blood Tests

Blood tests are a common way to diagnose menopause. Your doctor may order a test to check your follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol (E2) levels to rule out any other causes for the changes you’re experiencing. FSH rises as your ovaries produce less oestrogen.

Other blood tests that are helpful:

Oestrogen levels: This will help determine whether your hormone levels are declining, which can be an indication that your body is already starting to transition into menopause.

Thyroid function tests: These tests will look into possible thyroid disorders that you may have as they can also mimic menopausal symptoms. This is also administered to ensure that the diagnosis is accurate and for your doctor to rule out other potential health issues.

Testosterone levels: Measuring testosterone levels can detect imbalances that may affect energy levels, mood, and libido.

Cholesterol: Monitoring cholesterol levels is important as menopause can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Kidney function: Assessing kidney function helps ensure that your kidneys are working properly, as this can affect overall health.
Liver function: Checking liver function is crucial because menopause-related hormonal changes can impact liver health.
Progesterone: Measuring progesterone levels helps in understanding the balance of female hormones in the body.
Prolactin: High levels of prolactin can cause symptoms similar to menopause and need to be ruled out.
Luteinizing hormone (LH): LH levels can provide additional information about ovarian function and hormonal balance.
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG): Although more commonly associated with pregnancy, hCG levels can help rule out other conditions.

These tests can rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. Your healthcare professional may recommend repeat tests over time to monitor changes. A single test can’t always confirm menopause so your doctor will consider your symptoms too.

Postmenopause Complications

Menopause can bring about several health problems. Be aware of these:

Osteoporosis: Your bones may become weaker and more prone to fractures due to the drop in oestrogen levels during menopause. This can make your bones more brittle and accelerate bone loss that affects your spine, wrists and hips.
Heart disease: Your risk of cardiovascular problems may increase due to higher cholesterol levels and blood pressure caused by reduced oestrogen levels.
Higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease: The decrease in oestrogen levels can affect brain function and is a contributing factor that makes women more susceptible to Alzheimer’s disease.
Wrinkles: Due to reduced collagen production, your skin is less elastic and form, which makes it more prone to wrinkles and sagging.
Poor muscle power and tone: Reduced muscle strength can make daily tasks more challenging. You may also experience lower energy levels and general fatigue.
Weaker vision: Poor eyesight due to cataracts and macular degeneration that causes objects to appear hazy or out of focus.
Urinary incontinence: Due to a lack of pelvic control and strength, you may notice yourself leaking when you sneeze, laugh, or cough.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Your urinary tract lining is affected by low oestrogen levels, making you more susceptible to bacterial infection that can result in more frequent UTIs.
Vaginal infections: Hormonal changes during menopause can disrupt vaginal pH, which can lead to more yeast infections and other bacterial infections.
Mental health concerns: The frequent shifts in hormone levels can make you more vulnerable to anxiety, depression, and mood swings that can be emotionally exhausting.
Stroke: Changes in blood vessel function and cholesterol levels during the menopausal stage increase your risk of having a stroke.
Weight gain: Hormonal changes can slow down metabolism and can even promote fat storage making it harder to lose weight.
Constipation and gas: Reduced oestrogen levels can cause the digestive tract to slow down, causing increased constipation, gas, and even bloating.

Schedule your appointment today and keep yourself protected from these complications.

Menopause Treatment Risks

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can help alleviate menopause symptoms, but it does come with certain risks. Here are some of the risks to be aware of:

Uterine Cancer: You’re more at risk if you still have your uterus and aren’t taking progestin alongside oestrogen.
Blood Clots: Smoking, being overweight and other health conditions can increase your risk as they cause blood clots, or thromboembolism, around your body.
Breast Cancer: Combined HRT (oestrogen and progestin) may slightly increase the risk of developing breast cancer.
Heart Disease and Stroke: Starting HRT later in menopause can raise the risk of cardiovascular issues.
Side Effects: Bloating, breast tenderness, and nausea are common side effects for some women on HRT.

Weighing the benefits and risks with your doctor is essential to determine if HRT is suitable for you based on your health history and symptoms.

Non-hormonal treatments also have potential risks:

Antidepressants: These can sometimes cause nausea or a reduced sex drive.
Vaginal Moisturisers: Some women may experience irritation from certain products that are not suited with their skin types. It’s important to do patch tests first before applying them in the desired area.
Herbal Remedies: Not all herbal products are regulated and they can interact with other medications.

Every woman is unique so what works for others may not be suitable for you. Make it a priority to consult your GP before you start using or doing any treatment for menopause symptoms.

Menopause Treatment Cost in Singapore

Menopause treatment costs in Singapore can vary greatly depending on the type of treatment you choose. Here’s a breakdown of some common options and their prices:

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Consultation fees: SGD 25 – SGD 250
Medication costs: SGD 50 – SGD 200 per month

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Imperial Herbal Diaphoretic Therapy: SGD 228 per session
Herbal King Moxibustion: SGD 149 (weekdays), SGD 169 (weekends)

Other Menopause Treatments On The Market

Bioidentical hormone therapy: SGD 300 – SGD 800 per month
Herbal supplements: SGD 30 – SGD 100 per month
Yoga or meditation classes: SGD 20 – SGD 50 per session

Prices are estimates and may vary. Your total cost will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how long you need treatment.

Before starting any treatment, speak to your GP or specialist to find the best and most cost-effective option for you.

Some treatments may be partially covered by insurance so check with your provider to see what’s included in your plan.

Subsidies for Menopause Treatment in Singapore

In Singapore, subsidies are given based on citizenship, income and type of treatment. The government helps to pay for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in public hospitals. To get subsidised care, you need to get a referral from a polyclinic. In private clinics, ask about Medisave and other payment plans. Also, check with your insurance provider if menopause treatment is covered under your plan.

Why Choose Guo Tai TCM for Menopause Treatment?

PhysicianGuo Pengchun: Guo Tai TCM provides expert care for your menopausal symptoms. PhysicianGuo Pengchun has years of experience from her time in Guangdong General Hospital’s A&E department. Her expertise in pain management is particularly useful for menopause-related discomfort.
Non-invasive treatments: We are natural and non-invasive. We don’t use surgery or lots of medication to heal your body. Instead, we work with your body’s own healing abilities. This makes our treatment safe for you no matter what your age.
Personalised treatment plans: We tailor our care to you. Our signature 95 Herbal Imperial Diaphoretic Therapy may be part of your treatment. We also recommend lifestyle changes to help manage your symptoms without any additional medications. Your treatment will depend on how you feel when you come to see us.
High patient satisfaction: Our patients love us. We have a 4.8 star rating on Google reviews. This just shows that our treatment works for women in menopause like you.

At Guo Tai TCM, we focus on your overall well-being during menopause. Our goal is to improve your quality of life as you go through this transition. PhysicianGuo’s expertise supports our tailored approach.

Book your consultation and discover the transformative power of our gentle and effective treatments. Our compassionate team is dedicated to providing personalised care and support. We’ll answer your questions, provide detailed information, and offer helpful tips to ensure a comfortable and successful treatment experience.

Prevention of Menopause

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has natural ways to manage menopause. TCM sees menopause as an imbalance of yin and yang energies in your body. By rebalancing these energies, you can find relief.

Menopause is a natural stage in a woman’s life, but understanding how to manage its onset can significantly affect overall health and well-being.

Regular exercise

Regular exercise and activities are crucial because it help you during your menopause in many ways. It produces these ‘feel good’ hormones that help regulate your mood, so you’re safe from mood wings that may ruin your day. Additionally, regular exercise can also relieve hot flashes and of course, keep your weight in check. Yoga, pilates and lifting weights are the most recommended exercises for increasing bone strength.

Eat a healthful diet

A healthy variety of fruit, vegetables and whole grain options are helpful to stay on a healthy diet while going through your menopausal stage. A healthful diet is helpful to avoid significant weight gain, especially in the abdomen part, due to the drop in estrogen levels. Saturated fats trans fats, sodium, and added sugars should also be avoided as they may trigger mood swings and high blood sugar. Maintaining a healthy diet helps in keeping your weight ideal and lowering your risk of chronic health conditions, heart disease, and diabetes.

Get enough sleep

Getting enough high-quality sleep at night and practising good sleeping habits is key for a healthier body. Adults are encouraged to get 7 up to 8 hours of sleep each night to achieve the full rest their body needs to recover from fatigue or any symptoms caused by menopause. Falling and staying asleep can be helped by a regular sleep schedule and avoiding caffeine in the evening accompanied by practising relaxation strategies, such as meditation, muscle relaxation, and deep breathing.

Maintain your bone health

Keeping your bones strong helps reduce your chances of suffering from bone fractures as you age. Maintain your bone strength by eating foods rich in calcium and vitamin D and practising strength training but make sure that they are performed in the safest ways possible to prevent bone injuries. You can also install hand railings on stairways to prevent any accident, like falling or slipping, which may damage your spine or bones.

Keeping blood sugar in check

When your estrogen levels drop, which is a common occurrence during menopause, you become more at risk of cardiovascular diseases, like high blood pressure. Keep it monitored by having it checked regularly and avoiding activities and foods that may trigger it. Eating a well-balanced diet is one of the most recommended ways to keep your blood sugar levels healthy as well as lifestyle changes and healthy regular exercises to keep your body active.

Many women find TCM helpful for the prevention of menopause, as it offers a gentler alternative to hormone therapy. Results may vary, though, so it’s best to consult a qualified TCM practitioner for personalised advice.

Remember that TCM works most effectively when combined with regular check-ups with your GP. Always inform your doctor about any herbal treatments you’re using so they can give you customised plans.

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FAQs

What hormonal changes happen during menopause?

Your ovaries produce less oestrogen and progesterone. This decline causes most menopausal symptoms and affects your menstrual cycle, eventually stopping it altogether.

What is the average age for menopause?

The average age for menopause is 52. However, it can occur anywhere between 45 and 55 years old. Some women may experience it earlier or later based on various factors, such as genes, lifestyle, weight, and ethnicity.

Why does menopause occur?

Menopause is a natural part of ageing. This happens because your ovaries stopped releasing eggs and producing hormones, which marks the end of your reproductive years.

How long does menopause last?

The menopausal transition, or perimenopause, typically lasts 4-8 years but can be as long as 14 years. Symptoms can continue for months or years after your last period.

What makes menopause symptoms worse?

Stress, lack of sleep, poor diet, and smoking can worsen symptoms. Certain foods and drinks, like caffeine and alcohol, may trigger hot flushes in some women.

Can I get pregnant during menopause?

Yes, you can still get pregnant during perimenopause. Use contraception until you’ve gone 12 months without a period if you don’t want to conceive.

Can menopause affect sleep?

Yes, menopause can disrupt sleep. Night sweats, hot flashes and mood changes may make it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep through the night.

Does menopause cause weight gain?

Hormonal changes can lead to weight gain, especially around your waist as the body’s metabolism slows down, hence more fat is stored in your body. A healthy diet and regular exercise can help manage your weight during this time.

Can menopause affect my sex life?

Yes, lower oestrogen levels can cause vaginal dryness and reduced libido. These changes may affect your sex life, but there are treatments available to help.

Do men go through menopause?

No, men don’t experience menopause, but some may have ‘andropause’ — a gradual decrease in testosterone. This can cause similar symptoms to menopause in women.

Medical References

Al-Azzawi, Farook, and Santiago Palacios. “Hormonal Changes During Menopause.” Maturitas, vol. 63, no. 2, Apr. 2009, pp. 135–37, doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2009.03.009.

Monteleone, Patrizia, et al. “Symptoms of Menopause — Global Prevalence, Physiology and Implications.” Nature Reviews Endocrinology, vol. 14, no. 4, Feb. 2018, pp. 199–215, doi:10.1038/nrendo.2017.180.