FOUR WAYS TO HELP YOURSELF

1 THINK IT BETTER

Cognitive behavioural therapy is so well-proven for certain menopause symptoms, such as hot flushes, stress, low mood and anxiety, that it’s recommended by official bodies and you can self-refer on the NHS or ask your GP. It’s a non-medical approach that helps people to develop practical ways of managing problems and offers coping solutions.

There is a brilliant fact sheet available, written by Professor Myra Hunter and Dr Melanie Smith in collaboration with the medical advisory council of the British Menopause Society. Find it at womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/ factsheets/cognitive-behaviour-therapy-cbtmenopausal-symptoms.

2 STRETCH OUT

It’s never too late to start moving a bit more, and even walking is beneficial. Ideally, do weight-bearing exercise to maintain bone density. Yoga – my personal favourite – has many proven health benefits, helping with anxiety and stress while boosting blood circulation and hormone function.

3 EAT A RAINBOW

Nutritional therapist Rayne Roberts (360fitfood.co.uk) recommends cutting down on processed foods and sugar, and embracing a Mediterranean-style diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables and wholegrain carbohydrates and healthy fats, such as olive oil and avocado. She also advises eating plenty of protein from beans, pulses, fish and some poultry and eggs.

4 SUPPLEMENT – YOUR CHOICE

I love my magnesium, as well as vitamin D (as per government recommendation – great for bones and mood) and B vitamins. Specifically for menopause, many swear by black cohosh for hot flushes, and other popular options (with some clinical evidence) include red clover, agnus castus, evening primrose oil, St John’s Wort for anxiety, and ginkgo biloba for reducing brain fog. Ensure you do your research – there are a lot of strange-sounding solutions with very little evidence.