World Menopause Day – 2023
Hear the stories of three inspiring women in my life who have navigated through the menopause or are currently going through this journey now.

Exploring the stages of the Menopause – A trio of perspectives
In honour of World Menopause Day 2023 on October 18th, I’ve invited three cherished ladies from my life to openly share their unique menopausal journeys. They each represent 1 of the 3 stages, perimenopausal, menopausal and post menopausal.
Each of them has faced this natural transition in their own distinct way and at different points in time. I believe this gathering presents a special chance to listen to their diverse experiences, understanding their thoughts and emotions, and in doing so, raise awareness about the menopause. My hope is that by sharing these stories, we can provide support and assistance to others navigating similar experiences.
I asked them the same set of questions about their experiences. Their unique and personal responses to every question are shown individually below. The different icons below reflect each ladies response throughout, each offering diverse insights into their journeys.
✿ Linda’s experience – post menopausal
⚛ Nicola’s experience – menopausal
⚜ Elizabeth’s experience – perimenopausal
1. What symptoms did you or do you have?
✿ I had hot flushes and restless legs at nighttime.
⚛ Before taking Hormone Replacement tablets, I had hot flushes, mood swings, I struggled to sleep. I was generally too hot, and I also had brain fog. I don’t tend to have hot flushes as much now, but I still experience everything else intermittently.
⚜ I find I get hot flushes and palpitations. I have changes in skin elasticity and hair thickness. My periods are irregular, I never know if it’s going to be heavy or light. I also experience joint pain and some weight gain around my middle.
2. Did you have any unexpected symptoms?
✿ No, I had typical symptoms.
⚛ I became forgetful, which was unexpected.
⚜ Nothing has surprised me as I had done research as to what to expect, just didn’t want as many symptoms as I seem to have
3. What do/did you struggle with the most?
✿ I would say I struggled with sleep deprivation because of feeling hot and restless legs.
⚛ What I find most frustrating is not sleeping properly. I have very interrupted sleep most evenings which impacts me the following day.
⚜ The loss of my youth!
4. Did you get any help or have hormone replacement treatment?
✿ No, I had read it can cause cancer, so I didn’t want to risk taking it.
⚛ Yes, I have HRT, that definitely helped with the hot flushes. I tried a couple of different ones, but I have settled on one which works for me now.
⚜ I don’t feel I need to just yet. Instead, I have facials, take marine collagen and extra vitamins.
5. What were the social attitudes towards menopause at the time?
✿ Women’s problems – just get on with it.
⚛ I definitely feel there is more awareness out there now. This has improved over the last 3-4 years. I started it 5 years ago, however I feel I was very well supported by my female doctor who knew which medication would be best for me, due to my age and offered lots of different forms of HRT.
⚜ I think awareness is growing due to people like Davina McCall raising awareness and it not being such a taboo subject any longer.
6. Did/do you have any support from friends or family?
✿ Not really. No one could help, I just found my way through it.
⚛ I have had recommendations from family members to try different things to help with my sleep patterns.
⚜ I’m sure I do, but I haven’t asked so far as it’s not something I feel I need help with right now.
7. What helped to ease the symptoms?
✿ I used a lighter weighted blanket so I was cooler, and my legs could move with more ease.
⚛ When it comes to sleep, I generally have a shower in the evening. I spray lavender mist in the room, and I have lavender soap bars in my pillowcases. I also have an air purifier in my room, which also cools the room. I have recently started to play white noise on my phone, which helps me relax and makes me nod off. I’ve tried all these things over time.
⚜ I tend to have the window open at night and also using fans! I find a good skin care routine helps and taking more time to look after myself.
8. Did you/do you feel knowledgeable enough to make decisions about treatment?
✿ I did my research at the time, but I still wouldn’t take HRT as I had read worrying links to cancer.
⚛ I didn’t feel knowledgeable about treatment at first, I just needed something to ease the symptoms initially. My doctor recommended I try a different HRT from the first one I was prescribed and explained the reasons behind the change.
⚜ I think so, if I didn’t then I’d do more research and speak to my doctor.
9. What advice would you give to someone who is going through it?
✿ It’s a normal process that will run its course. Maybe I should have eaten food which would offset thinning bones due to loss of Oestrogen. So, I would recommend taking supplements.
⚛ I would encourage better sleeping habits as this is what I struggle with the most. Also, a good exercise regime, which can help clear your mind and tire you out. It also important to take time for yourself and prioritise your wellbeing.
⚜ Look after yourself, embrace the changes and don’t sweat (easier said than done) the small stuff!
I would like to thank each of these special ladies for sharing their honest and unique insights into their experience and I hope it proves useful to others in the future.
If you need further guidance and support, visit the NHS menopause page www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/help-and-support/
Check out The British Menopause Society webpage www.thebms.org.uk/news/world-menopause-day-2023/
The Menopause Charity website www.themenopausecharity.org which shares Menopause facts, advice, and support.
