More than 50 per cent of women feel unsupported in the lead up to the menopause but advice and relief is out there, as expert Eileen Durward explains

The menopause is often portrayed as a bit of a joke topic, but for many women experiencing it, it’s anything but.

A physically and emotionally challenging time, it can also be quite isolating, with many admitting to feeling confused about their symptoms and unsure what to do about them.

In fact, a recent survey by herbal remedies manufacturer A.Vogel reveals that the majority of menopausal women feel unsupported, 20 per cent feel lonely, nearly 40 per cent feel that experiencing symptoms is not a reason to visit their GP, while almost 30 per cent believe little can be done to relieve it anyway.

The findings come as no surprise to menopause expert Eileen Durward, pictured, who answers women’s questions via A.Vogel’s helpline and online Menopause Health Hub and also writes a personal blog about her own experiences.

She’s keen to highlight there are lots of things women can do to make managing the menopause much easier, but first, it’s important to realise that its effects on people can vary greatly.

“There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to the menopause, though most women will begin to experience some symptoms from 45 onwards,” she says. “The frequency and severity of these will vary widely – with some women experiencing every symptom going and others seeming to sail through.”"

The scope of symptoms is also very wide, and some may be quite surprising, going far beyond the telltale hot flushes.

“Itchiness, or formication, is a common symptom that often surprises people,”" Durward adds. “There’s rarely a rash but it may be uncomfortable and creams and lotions may not help. The cause is often lowered oestrogen levels and other factors, like stress, dehydration and even constipation, can all contribute.”

Oestrogen levels begin to decrease in the lead up to the menopause (known as perimenopause), when the body’s menstrual cycle slows down. Eventually, the ovaries stop producing eggs and periods stop. But how long this process takes and when it starts – though 51 is the average age, some women go through premature menopause in their 20s or 30s – again varies.

Fluctuating hormone levels can also cause night sweats, vaginal dryness, muscle and joint paint, headaches, memory lapses and digestive problems.

Menopause can also affect women psychologically and emotionally. This can be due to hormonal factors, but also simply because it may be a challenging time and a significant period of change in a woman’s life. “Mood swings, irritability, feeling weepy and not like your usual self often occur,” says Durward.

But it isn’t all doom and gloom. Relief is out there, and the menopause certainly doesn’t mean you’re past it and can no longer live life to the full.

“That’s why I started writing my blog, to talk about my own experiences and show women that there is life beyond the menopause,” says Durward. “It’s worth remembering that it can be a positive change too and many women feel liberated afterwards.”

Though people may not think it’s worth going to their GP, for anybody who experiences significant changes or symptoms it’s advisable to visit your doctor. Firstly, symptoms may be due to another cause, in which case they’ll need to be checked out. Secondly, treatments, like Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) may be suitable.

However, for milder or ongoing symptoms preparing your body and taking good care of yourself through lifestyle measures – like healthy eating, being active and making time for relaxation – can make the world of difference. Research suggests setting aside just 30 minutes a day for relaxation can significantly reduce symptoms.

Durward adds: “Remember you are not alone, and there is something you can do to help relieve symptoms.”

For more information visit avogel.co.uk/health/menopause