‘The strange thing is: I don’t know whether I am in menopause or not. I do have some complaints, but doesn’t everyone have them?’ Also read
When a woman ends up in her consulting room opposite Kerkhof for hormone therapy, her lifestyle is first examined. A healthy lifestyle can often alleviate many complaints. “Important adjustments are good sleep hygiene, such as fixed bed and wake times, a healthy diet with less sugar, alcohol and coffee, stress reduction and sufficient exercise, including strength training to maintain muscle mass. These measures support hormone balance and reduce menopausal symptoms.”
If these adjustments are not sufficient, hormone therapy is considered to limit the complaints. But: “There are exceptions,” Kerkhof adds. “If I have a woman in front of me who is in such dire straits that we first need to help her get started with hormone treatment, then we do that. We then look at what complaints remain and what lifestyle adjustments we can make.” Every woman is different, every personal situation is different. “Menopause is a normal biological process, but in a phase of life that is quite complex.”
Advantages and disadvantages
“Hormone therapy is an effective way to reduce complaints; we add what a woman lacks.” There may also be side effects, such as blood loss, headache, breast tension or fluid retention. “It is important that this therapy is used carefully and under medical supervision, as incorrect dosages can cause side effects.”
Therefore, always adhere to the dosages prescribed by the doctor. “Sometimes I hear women advising each other and I see them in my treatment room with a dosage that is much too high. Don’t do that, it can be dangerous. If hormonal treatment for menopause is necessary, start hormone therapy on time, well before the age of sixty and within ten years after your last menstrual period. This helps prevent risks such as cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis and ensures that hormone therapy is used safely and effectively.”
In addition, Kerkhof is sometimes asked whether it increases the risk of breast cancer: “The first five years of hormone therapy does not increase the risk of breast cancer. After five years the risk does increase slightly, but it remains limited. The risk from long-term use of hormone therapy is still much lower than the risk of cancer from drinking two glasses of alcohol or smoking daily.”
battery of gel
Hormones can be administered in different ways: via a pill, spray, gel or a patch for the skin. These can possibly be combined with a progesterone pill or a Mirena coil. “It is important to find the option that best suits the individual woman.”
The gynecologist warns: “Hormone therapy is safe, but only when used correctly and under the correct medical supervision. Always choose a qualified doctor who conducts careful examination – such as a physical examination, ultrasound or blood test – to rule out other causes of the complaints. And at all times avoid commercial clinics where self-appointed specialists perform unnecessary, expensive blood tests for hormone levels and prescribe hormone therapy without the proper expertise and at high costs.”
‘A third of women with menopausal complaints feel misunderstood by their GP’ Also read
Menopause: Are We Overthinking It Or Just Under-Understanding It?
Ladies and gentlemen, let’s talk about menopause! These enchanting years when mothers turn into… well, let’s say ‘witty relatives’ who know everything and nothing at the same time. The real brackets of confusion… Is it menopause or did I just eat a dodgy curry?
One brave woman finds herself in a consulting room, facing the rather serious Dr. Kerkhof. “The strange thing is,” she muses, “I don’t know whether I’m in menopause or not. I do have some complaints, but doesn’t everyone have them?” Well, if you’re over 30 and have ever stubbed your toe, congratulations! You’ve cracked the code. Welcome to the secret society of grievances!
How To Live Your Best Semi-Retired Life
Dr. Kerkhof springs into action with a mission! First things first, let’s dissect her lifestyle. Apparently, a healthy lifestyle can often alleviate “many complaints.” What is this sorcery? Because I was always under the impression that complaining vigorously was the best way to become a seasoned classic like a fine cheese—or, perhaps, a wobbly Jell-O salad at a family gathering.
“It’s all about good sleep hygiene,” Kerkhof insists, wasting no time in underscoring the importance of fixed bedtimes. “Fixed bedtimes? Sounds like a plan for prison, doesn’t it?” Ah, yes! Because nothing says ‘living your best life’ like a regimented sleeping schedule! And can we just talk about the diet? Less sugar, less alcohol—so, basically, a life sentence without dessert? Good luck with that!
The Hormonal Rollercoaster
Should lifestyle adjustments fail us, Kerkhof rolls out the big guns—hormone therapy. But not just any therapy; we’re talking about supercharged, doctor-approved hormone adjustments to get rid of those pesky complaints! But beware of the side effects, which sound terrifyingly like a bad breakup: blood loss, headache, breast tension, and fluid retention. Oy vey! It’s almost worth sticking to the dodgy curry, isn’t it?
“It is important that this therapy is used carefully and under medical supervision,” says Kerkhof, as if her team of doctors isn’t swarming around with clipboards and laser pointers to analyze every wrinkle and grimace you might make in the process. She goes on to warn: “Sometimes I hear women advising each other…” And there it is, the root of all comedy and chaos! Don’t take advice from your friend Sheila who is still convinced crystals will align her chakras and send her menopausal symptoms on an all-expenses-paid holiday to Ibiza!
Decisions, Decisions
Is hormone therapy effective? “Absolutely!” says Dr. Kerkhof, as she preps the oils and potions for our next stage of life. But be warned: the first five years of hormone therapy don’t pose a greater risk for breast cancer. After that? “The risk does increase slightly but remains limited,” she says like a parent warning you about sugar… before handing you a donut. So, do we take the plunge or live in fear, clutching onto our pint of ice cream like a life raft?
The Bottom Line
Hormones can be administered in several thrilling ways: via a pill, spray, gel, or patch—oh my! It’s like a buffet of middle-aged womanhood! But let’s not forget there’s no ‘one size fits all’ approach—every woman is a unique treasure. So stop scrolling through TikTok for the miracle fix that promises to turn your midlife crisis into a midlife fiesta. Instead, seek out a qualified doctor! You know, someone competent and not a dude named Gary who sells supplements from the back of his van.
As Dr. Kerkhof wraps up the session, she leaves us with a nugget of wisdom: a third of women with menopausal complaints feel misunderstood by their GP. And there you have it, folks! Nothing like medical uncertainty to fuel our chatty little circles over wine and cheese. So, as we transition into this new life stage, remember to laugh—a lot! Because if we can’t laugh about these quirks, we might just sob uncontrollably while sitting in our sweatpants eating raw cookie dough.
Conclusion: Menopause—it’s less of a drama and more of a sitcom with a rotating cast of complaints. We’ll figure it out together, and at the very least, we can trust that humor will keep us young. At least until we try and remember where we left the remote!
**An Interview with Dr. Kerkhof on Menopause and Hormone Therapy**
**Interviewer:** Good morning, Dr. Kerkhof! Thank you for joining us today. We often hear women express confusion about whether they’re experiencing menopause or simply common complaints. One woman even said, “I don’t know whether I’m in menopause or not. I do have some complaints, but doesn’t everyone have them?” What do you say to that?
**Dr. Kerkhof:** Good morning! It’s a pleasure to be here. That sentiment is very common. Many women experience symptoms that may seem ordinary, but they can indeed signal the onset of menopause. It’s essential for women to recognize their bodies and the changes they may be experiencing, rather than chalking everything up to general aging or lifestyle factors.
**Interviewer:** So, what’s the first step for someone unsure about their symptoms?
**Dr. Kerkhof:** The first step is to assess lifestyle factors. This process can involve evaluating sleep hygiene, dietary habits, and stress levels. Small lifestyle adjustments—such as consistent bedtime routines, a balanced diet low in sugar and alcohol, and regular exercise—can significantly relieve many menopausal symptoms.
**Interviewer:** That sounds practical! But what if lifestyle changes aren’t enough? When do you recommend hormone therapy?
**Dr. Kerkhof:** If a woman’s symptoms are debilitating and lifestyle adjustments haven’t helped, we may consider hormone replacement therapy (HRT). It’s crucial to tailor this decision to the individual’s circumstances since every woman’s experience with menopause can be different.
**Interviewer:** Are there risks associated with hormone therapy that women should be aware of?
**Dr. Kerkhof:** Certainly. While hormone therapy is effective for many, potential side effects can include headaches, breast tension, and fluid retention. It’s vital to approach this treatment under medical supervision. Incorrect dosages can lead to increased risks, including issues with heart health and breast cancer. However, it’s worth noting that for most women, therapy does not significantly increase the risk of breast cancer in the first five years.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like careful monitoring is essential. What options do women have when considering hormone therapy?
**Dr. Kerkhof:** Hormones can be administered in various ways, including pills, gels, patches, or sprays. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, so it’s essential to find the method that suits each woman best.
**Interviewer:** It seems there’s still a lot of misinformation out there. What’s your advice to women navigating this process?
**Dr. Kerkhof:** First and foremost, women should consult with qualified healthcare professionals who can conduct thorough examinations and provide informed guidance. It’s critical to avoid unregulated clinics and self-diagnosis based on anecdotal advice. Every woman’s menopausal experience is unique, and proper medical supervision is crucial for safe and effective treatment.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Kerkhof! It’s clear that understanding menopause and hormone therapy is multifaceted and requires careful consideration.
**Dr. Kerkhof:** Thank you! Remember, menopause is a natural phase of life, and with the right support, women can successfully navigate its challenges.
