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Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is menopause, and when should I expect to experience it?

Menopause marks the point at which you haven’t had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. It typically occurs between 45 and 55 years of age, with the average in the UK being around 51. People begin to notice symptoms during the perimenopause phase. While we have an average age, perimenopause can happen anytime after puberty. Even as early as in our teens. Therefore it is so important that people understand and prepare for menopause as this can go a long way to improving our experience. Listening to our bodies from our first period is crucial. The signs will be there.

What are the common symptoms of menopause?

Common symptoms include hot flushes, night sweats, chills, mood swings, sleep disturbances, brain fog, fatigue, loss of confidence and self esteem, reduced motivation, bladder weekness and vaginal dryness. Some women may also experience joint aches, low libido, weight gain, and changes in skin and hair texture. The severity and duration of these symptoms vary from woman to woman.
There are many other symptoms. I go by GenM's 51 symptoms of menopause plus three more recent additions, tinnitus, changes in taste and smells and shooting pains in the vaginal area (know as 'fanny daggers').

How can I tell if I’m entering perimenopause or menopause?

Perimenopause is the transitional phase when your periods become irregular and you may start to experience menopausal symptoms. Menopause is confirmed after you have not had a period for 12 months. Tracking your menstrual cycle and symptoms can help you determine which stage you’re in.

What treatment options are available for managing menopausal symptoms?

Treatment options include lifestyle changes (such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management), hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and non-hormonal medications or therapies. Your GP can help tailor treatment to your individual needs, taking into account your health history and preferences.

Is hormone replacement therapy (HRT) safe?

HRT is generally considered safe for most women when started within 10 years of the last period, particularly for those under 60. It can significantly relieve menopausal symptoms and improve quality of life. However, not everyone wants to take HRT and it may not be suitable for women with certain health conditions, such as a history of breast cancer. It is therefore important to discuss your options with a GP who specialises in menopause. Ask for this when making an appointment.

What lifestyle changes can help alleviate menopausal symptoms?

Lifestyle adjustments that can help include adopting a healthy diet, regular physical activity (including strength training), good sleep hygiene, and stress reduction techniques such as mindfulness or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Caffeine, alcohol, chocolate and spicy foods are some common symptoms triggers. Again it is important to listen to your body and find what exacerbates your symptoms. Once you know, you can better manage them. So often people say to me "Oh, so I have to stop drinking alcohol, coffee and eating chocolate". Not necessarily. Once you know, how you manage that is your choice. It can mean cutting down, stopping altogether or carrying on as usual. Only you will know the level of impact on your life and whether you decide it's worth increasing your symptoms or not.

Will menopausal symptoms affect my long-term health?

While many women experience temporary symptoms, the long-term effects of menopause can include an increased risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, heart disease and changes in cognitive function. Regular health checks, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and, where appropriate, treatments like HRT can help mitigate these risks.

How can Kirsty and Feel Good Menopause help me?

Here at Feel Good Menopause we're dedicated to empowering you through this transition. By offering a range of tailored services, we help you navigate menopause with confidence and clarity. Our support includes:
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Personalised Coaching & Mentoring: Receive one-on-one guidance to help you understand what is happening in your body. Also to empower you to own your journey and realise that your can still achieve your goals, whatever they may be. Personal or work goals. You are still awesome and reaffirming that you CAN and that your are NOT USELESS can be real game changers.

‍Interactive Workshops: Join sessions designed to educate and support you, where you can learn practical tips for understanding and managing your peri/menopause journey. All with a wonderful postive spin.

Bespoke Solutions: For more personalised needs, bespoke programmes are available to address your specific challenges.

Employer Services: If you’re part of an organisation, Feel Good Menopause also supports employers in creating inclusive, menopause-friendly workplaces through a workplace audit, a variety of workshops and coaching/mentoring. These can be standard workshops or bespoke to you. I use the 'VISION' method as mentioned on my Home page.

Comprehensive Resources: Their website offers information and tips that can help you better understand and manage your menopausal journey. You can also download my Menopause Resources Handbook.

Whether you’re seeking individual support or looking to foster a more supportive work environment, we're here to provide expert advice, resources, and a community that truly understands your journey.

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What exactly is menopause, and when should I expect to experience it?

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