Eight out of 10 women are 'unprepared' for menopause, reveals study ahead of World Menopause Day
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: A study revealed that 80 percent of women feel "unprepared" about experiencing perimenopause and menopause. A research survey polled around 2,069 UK women aged 18 to 74, who were questioned about their knowledge of menopause, said they were "unprepared" or felt "fearful" about what to expect and only 17 percent said they would know how to prevent the signs and symptoms on their bodies.
As to what treatments they would consider, HRT gel or tablets were the most popular, revealed 38 percent of the poll, followed by skin booster treatments to improve hydration and anti-wrinkle injections. And 56 percent say they are "fearful" about what to expect, rising to 71 percent among 18 to 39-year-old women. The study ahead of World Menopause Day, which will be held on October 18, 2022, also revealed that 63 percent of women who are yet to experience menopause did not know symptoms can appear up to ten years before their last period.
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Menopause is a natural process with treatments that focus on symptomatic relief. Dr Yusra Al-Mukhtar, an aesthetics consultant from Harley Street, said, "It’s clear that there is a gap between knowledge and awareness of what signs can be prevented on the skin and body. Awareness needs to make way for empowered preventative action," reported Daily Mail.
The research revealed that women use skin booster treatments to prevent symptoms like increased sweating (51%), sagging of facial contours (38%), increased wrinkles (33%), and acne (32%). This also includes concerns about dark circles, dry, itchy, puffy skin, or dull complexion.
The survey included that women facing perimenopausal, which is when a woman's body makes the natural transition to menopause, experience more anxiety and stress about skin and body issues than menopausal women do - 67 percent compared with 60 percent.
A woman, 41, who was diagnosed as post-menopausal when she was 14 years old and has been undergoing skin treatment with Dr Yusra, said, "I don’t think women understand enough about the signs of the perimenopause and menopause on the skin, and the affects that hormonal changes can have. If you don’t understand the signs, how can you know how to adapt your skincare regime and better understand treatments available?"
Other remedies to menopause include eating foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, consuming lots of fruit and vegetables, avoid trigger food such as caffeine, alcohol, and foods that are sugary or spicy which could trigger hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes. Exercise regularly and eat more foods that are high in phytoestrogens that may help balance hormones. Take natural supplements and drink a lot of water regularly.