Cardiomyopathy and the menopause

Wednesday the 18th of October is World Menopause Day.

There are many areas that are important to consider when it comes to women's health and cardiomyopathy, one of these is living well during the menopause. The symptoms of menopause can be the same or very similar to symptoms experienced by women with cardiomyopathy.

The nine symptoms which are often described are:

• Sleeping problems - due to night sweats
• Hot flushes and night sweats - sudden feelings of hot or cold in your face, neck and chest which can make some people feel dizzy
• Stress and anxiety - low mood, anxiety, mood swings and feelings of low self-esteem
• Weight gain - increase in weight especially around the abdomen
• Low energy levels - feeling lethargic, fatigued and drained
• Brain fog and reduced concentration - changes to memory and concentration levels
• Skin changes - dry and itchy skin
• Muscle pain
• Urinary changes - some people experience frequent urinary tract infections

Raising awareness of these symptoms is important in supporting women to understand the connection between their symptoms and hormone fluctuations so that they can discuss these symptoms with their GP or cardiologist for support and advice.

Cardiomyopathy UK specialist nurse Jayne says: "Many of the symptoms of menopause are very similar to symptoms experienced by women diagnosed with cardiomyopathy therefore if you experience new symptoms and feel that your symptoms could be hormone related speak to your GP about treatment options"

Further information about perimenopause and menopause can be found here Menopause - Symptoms - NHS (www.nhs.uk)