News

Although I love my job as a menopause doctor, I am constantly saddened and frustrated by the numerous stories I hear from women who have been given inaccurate and inappropriate advice about their menopause and HRT.

If I were to wish anything for you this Christmas it would be stamina. It doesn’t matter how organised and prepared we are, it takes serious energy to host family and friends over the holidays.

There has been so much negative publicity about HRT over the past 15 years that many women and also healthcare professionals are really confused about its safety and efficacy.

It has been so exciting to talk about the impact of menopause at work with Lorraine Kelly on ITV – I am really grateful that they gave me the opportunity to discuss this important issue.

Anxiety, low mood, irritability, loss of self-esteem, loss of confidence, memory problems, poor concentration, tiredness, headaches, palpitations, joint pains, muscle aches, brain fog, urinary symptoms, loss of libido and vaginal dryness are all unspoken symptoms of the perimenopause and menopause.

Ask people what they know about the menopause and they will often talk about hot flushes, night sweats and mood swings. Menopausal women are often made fun of and they are the butt of many jokes.

Some of you may remember Allison Pearson’s previous novel – I Don’t Know How She Does It. The sequel to this book has been published today and all women should read it!

The recording of Liz Earle talking to me about the menopause is now available to download and listen to. During this podcast we talk about the importance of having a healthy lifestyle, recognising the symptoms of the menopause and also I dispel many of the common myths regarding HRT.

I am so excited about talking at this event with Women’s Health and Wellbeing Coach Diane Danzebrink on 1st October.

A study in JAMA was recently published which provides more reassurance about HRT for women.