Menopause: a natural stage, not a disease
Menopause occurs on average around the age of 51 and corresponds to the permanent cessation of periods for at least 12 consecutive months, linked to the end of ovarian function. It is a normal physiological stage in every woman's life, not a disease — but its symptoms can significantly affect quality of life.
In Marseille, Dr. Yasmine Maazouzi supports her patients with an individualised approach, combining natural and medical solutions according to their profile and preferences.
Symptoms of menopause: what changes in your body
The decline in oestrogen levels brings about a series of physical and psychological changes:
Vasomotor symptoms
- Hot flushes: sudden waves of heat, sometimes accompanied by flushing
- Night sweats disrupting sleep
Genital and urinary symptoms
- Vaginal dryness: discomfort, pain during sexual intercourse
- Urinary problems: recurrent infections, urgent urges, light leakage
- Decreased libido
General symptoms
- Sleep disturbances: difficulty falling asleep, night waking
- Mood swings, irritability, anxiety
- Memory and concentration difficulties
- Weight gain, particularly around the abdomen
- Joint pain
Perimenopause: when the first signs appear
Perimenopause (or premenopause) often begins several years before the permanent cessation of periods. Cycles become irregular — shorter or longer — and the first climacteric symptoms appear. This is the ideal time to consult Dr. Maazouzi in order to prepare for the transition.
Natural solutions: for whom, and for what?
For women with moderate symptoms or those wishing to avoid hormonal treatment, several natural approaches have demonstrated some degree of efficacy:
Phytotherapy and isoflavonoids
Soy and red clover isoflavonoids are phyto-oestrogens that can help ease moderate hot flushes. Their efficacy varies from woman to woman and depends on gut flora.
Lifestyle measures
- Regular physical activity: reduces hot flushes, improves sleep and bone density
- Calcium-rich diet (dairy products, green vegetables, legumes) and vitamin D supplementation
- Reducing coffee, alcohol, and tobacco: these substances worsen hot flushes
- Stress management techniques: yoga, meditation, cardiac coherence breathing
Non-hormonal treatments
For severe hot flushes without contraindications: certain low-dose antidepressants (venlafaxine, paroxetine) have demonstrated efficacy on vasomotor symptoms.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): rehabilitated and personalised
Hormone replacement therapy for menopause has long been the subject of controversy, but current guidance is clear: for women without contraindications who begin HRT before the age of 60 and within 10 years of menopause, the benefits clearly outweigh the risks.
Benefits of HRT
- Disappearance or major reduction of hot flushes and night sweats
- Improved sleep quality
- Resolution of vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse
- Bone protection: prevention of osteoporosis
- Cardiovascular benefits when treatment is started early
Modern HRT: natural oestrogens + bio-identical progesterone
Today, Dr. Maazouzi preferentially prescribes transdermal oestrogens (gel or patch) combined with micronised natural progesterone (Progesterone, Utrogestan). This combination has an optimal safety profile, particularly with regard to cardiovascular and thromboembolic risk.
Contraindications to HRT
HRT is contraindicated in the case of a personal history of breast cancer, endometrial cancer, deep vein thrombosis, or pulmonary embolism. A consultation with Dr. Maazouzi allows your individual risk profile to be carefully assessed.
The menopause consultation with Dr. Maazouzi in Marseille
During your consultation, Dr. Maazouzi will:
- Assess your symptoms and their impact on your quality of life
- Carry out a hormonal assessment (FSH, oestradiol, TSH, lipid profile)
- Prescribe a bone density scan (osteodensitometry) if necessary
- Discuss all options with you: natural, non-hormonal, or HRT
- Adapt the treatment over time according to your response and progress
Menopause is easier to navigate with personalised medical support. Consult Dr. Yasmine Maazouzi at the Hôpital Privé Beauregard (23 Rue des Linots, Bât. B5 ICOGM, Marseille 13004).