Women are told to expect any number of symptoms with the, and that it could come rather vaguely between the ages of 45 and 55. So it can feel reassuring to think there’s a test that can say you are definitely in menopause, as this can help explain any particular symptom and point to treatment options. But is a simple blood test straightforward? It can be hard to interpret, and other factors can be more reliable to guide you on whether you are menopausal, such as your symptoms, your age, how regular your periods are, and even the age at which the women in your family experienced their menopause.

What Is Brain Fog? Brain fog means your mind feels cloudy or slow. You might notice: Forget names, dates, or small details. Have trouble focusing on tasks. Feel mentally sluggish or find your thoughts are mixed up. Brain fog isn’t a disease on its own. It’s a sign that your body or mind might be stressed, tired, or going through changes like menopause. Both kids and adults can feel foggy at times, but if it sticks around, it can make school, work, or daily life harder. Signs of Brain Fog Brain fog can feel different for each person, but common signs are: Trouble concentrating or staying focused. Forgetting names, dates, or things you just learned. Feeling mentally tired even after you’ve rested. Having trouble organising your thoughts or saying what you mean clearly. If these signs last for weeks or start to affect your daily life, try keeping track of them and talk to a doctor.

What Is Brain Fog? Brain fog happens when your mind feels cloudy, making it tough to think clearly, remember things, or stay focused. It isn’t a serious memory issue, but it can make daily tasks more difficult. During menopause, women may notice they: Forget names, dates, or small details more often. Struggle to focus on tasks that used to be easy. Feel like their thoughts are “slower” or harder to organise. Brain fog is not a disease. It is a symptom that can show up when hormone levels in your body change, such as during menopause or pregnancy.

Perimenopause is a natural stage before menopause when a woman's hormone levels start to go up and down. Changes in estrogen and progesterone can cause symptoms that affect daily life. Perimenopause usually starts in a woman's 40s, but some notice changes in their 30s. Learning about perimenopause, knowing the signs, and understanding what to expect can help manage symptoms. What is Perimenopause? Perimenopause is when a woman's body prepares for menopause. The ovaries produce less estrogen, which affects periods and causes various symptoms. How Long It Lasts: Usually 4–10 years, but this varies. Once you go 12 months without a period, menopause begins. Perimenopause vs. Menopause: Menopause is when periods stop completely. Perimenopause is the stage leading up to this. Periods may still happen, but they can be irregular. Hormone Changes: Estrogen and progesterone affect periods, energy, and mood. Fluctuations can cause physical and emotional changes.

Menopause is a natural stage in life when a woman's body goes through hormonal changes. Many women notice symptoms like hot flushes, sleep changes, and mood shifts. One common concern is weight gain, especially around the waist. Weight gain during menopause is normal, and understanding why it happens can help you manage it. This guide explains the main reasons for weight gain, how it can affect your health, and practical ways to stay active and healthy. Why Menopause Affects Weight Hormone Changes As you go through menopause, your body produces less oestrogen. This hormone affects where your body stores fat. Lower oestrogen can lead to more fat being stored around your belly. Slower Metabolism Metabolism means how fast your body uses energy. As we get older, our metabolism naturally slows down. This means you burn fewer calories at rest, making it easier to gain weight. Less Muscle We lose muscle as we age, especially if we aren't active. Muscle burns more calories than fat, even when resting. Less muscle means fewer calories burned, which can lead to weight gain. Health Effects of Menopausal Weight Gain Higher Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Carrying extra weight makes it harder for your body to use insulin properly. This raises the risk of type 2 diabetes. Staying active and eating well can help reduce this risk. Heart Health Problems Extra fat around the middle can raise the risk of heart disease. During menopause, it's essential to take care of your heart with healthy habits. Effects on Daily Life and Mood Weight gain can make you feel tired, affect your mood, and lower your confidence. These feelings are normal, and small healthy changes can make you feel better.

Cystitis means inflammation of the bladder and is usually caused by a bacterial infection. Cystitis is often used interchangeably with the term urinary tract infection (UTI), although technically cystitis is a subtype of the umbrella term UTI, which also includes infections in other parts of the kidney-bladder-urethra system to pass urine. Common complaints are pain or burning on passing urine, needing to go more often and yet little may be passed, and racing to the loo with great urgency to pass urine. Less common symptoms include stomach pain, blood in the urine or smelly urine. Cystitis is usually caused by certain bacteria, many of which occur naturally on your skin and in your gut. Owing to the close proximity of your waterworks to the bowel system, bacteria that are usually harmless in the poo or on your skin can contaminate the urinary system and cause a bladder infection.

Collagen is a protein that is very important for your body. It helps keep your skin, hair, nails, muscles, and joints strong and flexible. As you get older, your body makes less collagen, which can lead to wrinkles, thinner hair, and joint pain. Many people use collagen supplements and beauty products, hoping to look younger and feel better. This article explains what collagen is, how it works, the different types, and whether supplements really help. It also shares natural ways to boost your body’s collagen and clears up common myths.

All women aged between 25 and 64 are invited for cervical screening in the UK. Also called a smear test or pap test, it’s a test aiming to prevent cancer rather than a test for whether you have cancer. It checks for a certain virus that can disrupt the cells of the cervix (the opening to your womb from your vagina). If you have the virus, the cells of the cervix can then be checked for any changes that could, with time, lead to cervical cancer. Your local health authority will get your age and address details from your GP records and send you an invitation (usually by post). If you’re under 25, you’ll be invited every 6 months until you are 25, every 3 years if you’re 25 to 49 and every 5 years if you’re aged 50 to 64. After the age of 65 you’ll only be invited if one of your last three tests was abnormal. You then book an appointment with your general practice nurse or sexual health clinic for a test. Cervical cancer is not one of the most common cancers, but it is common in young women, usually affecting those in their early 30s. Once you have cervical cancer, treatment can be difficult and threaten your fertility and your overall health. But it's considered 99.8% preventable, so it's worth keeping up with your cervical screening.

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK and every year 55,000 women are diagnosed with it. Currently the process involved screening and then only once, diagnosed they are treated. Unfortunately, around 11,500 will die from the disease every year and the vast majority of cases of breast cancer are diagnosed after the age of 50. One of the most common treatments used in breast cancer is called anastrozole – a hormone that is given as a daily tablet. This is because some breast cancers need the hormone oestrogen to grow, and an enzyme called 'aromatase' is needed for this change to occur. Anastrozole works by blocking (inhibiting) this enzyme, which in turn reduces the amount of oestrogen in your body, which slows the growth of breast cancer cells. Under new plans just announced by the NHS, up to 300,000 women who are said to be at moderate or high risk of developing breast cancer will now be offered anastrozole as a preventive treatment in order to reduce their risk of breast cancer occurring in the first place. It has been estimated that if this roll-out is taken up in full, it could prevent 8,000 cases of breast cancer among women currently in their 50s and 60s if taken for a full 5-year course. Anastrozole has been licensed for the treatment of breast cancer since 2006, but until now has not been licensed as a preventive treatment. Who is eligible for anastrozole for the prevention of breast cancer? Any post-menopausal woman with a mother or sister diagnosed with the disease before the age of 40, or those with two close relatives with breast cancer at any age, are encouraged to come forward to their doctor for assessment. If suitable, their GP is able to prescribe anastrozole. Women have a one in seven chance of developing breast cancer but are said to be at moderate risk if this increases to around one in six. Women are said to be at high risk if this increases further to at least one in three.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a treatment that helps women manage menopause symptoms, like hot flashes, mood swings, and bone health issues. HRT can improve life during menopause, but it may slightly raise the risk of breast cancer. Knowing how HRT affects breast cancer risk helps women make smart choices for their health. What is HRT? HRT replaces oestrogen, a hormone that drops during menopause. This drop can cause symptoms like night sweats and mood changes. HRT helps balance hormones and relieves these symptoms. Types of HRT: Oestrogen-only HRT: Usually for women who have had their womb removed. Using it with an intact womb can raise the risk of womb cancer. Combined HRT: Has both oestrogen and progestogen. For women with a womb, it lowers womb cancer risk but may slightly raise breast cancer risk more than oestrogen-only HRT. Localised HRT: Creams, rings, or pessaries used in the vagina for dryness. It does not affect the whole body. HRT and Breast Cancer Risk Some studies show that combined HRT can slightly increase breast cancer risk, especially if used for a long time. Risk factors include: Type of HRT: Combined HRT has a higher risk; localised HRT does not. Duration: Using HRT for longer periods, especially combined HRT, can increase the risk. Regular check-ins with your doctor are recommended. Personal/family history: If you or your family have had breast cancer, the risk may be higher. Most research indicates that the risk returns to normal within five years of stopping HRT. Many women still find that HRT improves their quality of life. Factors That Affect Breast Cancer Risk Age: Starting HRT closer to menopause is associated with lower risks. Starting later can increase risk. Family history: Women with a family history of breast cancer should talk to their doctor. Lifestyle: Smoking, alcohol, and being overweight raise breast cancer risk. Healthy habits help lower risk. Duration of use: Short-term use (under five years) has less impact; more prolonged use may increase risk.

What Is Menopausal Joint Pain? Menopause is a natural part of the ageing process. While most people associate it with hot flushes and mood swings, joint pain is also common. Sometimes referred to as "menopausal arthritis," this condition can cause pain in the knees, hips, neck, hands, and shoulders, making daily activities more challenging and reducing overall quality of life.

Menopause is a natural stage in a woman's life, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. It marks the end of menstrual periods and brings about hormonal changes. Common symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and trouble sleeping. These can make daily life harder. In the UK, doctors often recommend hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause. Some women also use supplements to help with mild symptoms. This guide explains vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements that may help, based on NHS and NICE guidance. Key Vitamins and Minerals for Menopause Vitamin D Helps the body absorb calcium and maintain strong bones. The NHS recommends 10 micrograms (mcg) per day, especially in autumn and winter. Calcium Supports bone health, which is especially important after menopause. Women over 50 should aim for approximately 1,200 mg of calcium daily through food or supplements. Vitamin B6 and B12 Help with energy and mood. Found in eggs, meat, dairy, and leafy greens. Magnesium Supports sleep, reduces muscle cramps, and may help with mild anxiety. Sources include nuts, seeds, and leafy greens. Supplements may help with joint pain or hot flashes. Herbal Supplements and Plant-Based Options Phytoestrogens Plant compounds that act a little like oestrogen. Found in soybeans, flaxseeds, chickpeas, soy isoflavones, and red clover. Some women find them helpful for hot flashes, but the evidence is mixed. Black Cohosh Used for hot flashes and mood swings. Research is limited, and it may not be safe for women with liver problems. Always consult a doctor before using. Supplements for Bone and Heart Health Omega-3 Fatty Acids Found in fish oil or flaxseed supplements. Good for heart health, though they do not directly reduce menopause symptoms. Collagen May support skin, joints, and bone strength. Research is ongoing, and effectiveness varies. Vitamin K2 Helps the body use calcium properly for strong bones. Often taken with calcium and vitamin D. Are Menopause Supplements Safe? Supplements can fill gaps in your diet, but should not replace a balanced diet. Herbal supplements, such as black cohosh or red clover, can interact with other medications. Excessive intake of calcium or vitamin D can be harmful. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements. Lifestyle Tips to Help With Menopause Exercise, such as walking, jogging, or resistance training, helps strengthen bones, improve heart health, and boost mood. Eat Well: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Sleep: Maintain a regular schedule and bedtime routine. Manage Stress: Yoga, meditation, or mindfulness can help alleviate mood and anxiety issues. When to See a Doctor Symptoms that are severe or don't improve with supplements and lifestyle changes. Persistent hot flashes, night sweats, or mood swings that significantly affect daily life. Sudden changes in health, such as bone pain or heart issues, may indicate a serious underlying condition. Doctors may recommend HRT or other treatments for symptom relief. Supplements are most effective when used in conjunction with a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and professional medical guidance. References (UWE Harvard Style) NHS. (2023) Menopause. Available at: (Accessed: 22 September 2025). NICE. (2023) Menopause: Diagnosis and management. Available at: (Accessed: 22 September 2025). British Nutrition Foundation. (2022) Nutrition and menopause. Available at: (Accessed: 22 September 2025). National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2023) Herbal remedies and menopause. Available at: (Accessed: 22 September 2025). Women's Health Concern. (2022) Supplements in menopause. Available at: (Accessed: 22 September 2025).