Menopause
Menopause isn't something you just have to get through. With the right care, you can feel well again and protect your health for the years ahead.
What is menopause?
Menopause is when your periods stop for good, because your ovaries make much less estrogen and progesterone. You've reached menopause when you haven't had a period for 12 months. After that, you're described as postmenopausal.
In the UK, the average age is 51, but it can happen earlier. Menopause before 45 is called early menopause, and before 40 it's called premature ovarian insufficiency. It can also happen after surgery or some cancer treatments.
Symptoms often continue for several years after your last period, and lower hormone levels can affect your bones, heart and brain in the long term. That's why good care matters, even if your symptoms feel manageable.
Symptoms
Every woman's experience is different. You may have a few of these, or many.
Body
- Hot flushes
- Night sweats
- Joint aches and stiffness
- Weight gain, especially around the middle
- Dry skin and thinning hair
Sleep and energy
- Trouble sleeping
- Tiredness and low energy
Intimate and bladder health
- Vaginal dryness or soreness
- Discomfort during sex
- Low libido
- Needing to wee more often
- Repeated urine infections
Mind and mood
- Anxiety or low mood
- Brain fog and poor memory
- Irritability
- Loss of confidence
These symptoms can have other causes, so we always look at your full health picture. Any bleeding after your periods have stopped should be checked by a doctor promptly.
Investing in your future health
Menopause is a turning point for your health, not just a set of symptoms. Estrogen protects much more than your periods, so as levels fall, the choices you make now shape how well you live for the next 30 years or more.
- Strong bones. Bone density drops faster after menopause, raising the risk of osteoporosis and fractures later in life.
- A healthy heart. Heart disease risk rises, so cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar matter more than ever.
- A sharp mind. Hormone changes can affect memory, focus and mood, and looking after your brain now pays off later.
That's why your plan looks at five areas together, not just your hormones:
- Hormones
- Nutrition
- Movement
- Sleep
- Stress
How we can help
We bring medical care and nutrition together in one plan. Nutrition isn't an extra here, it's an essential part of your care, because what you eat fuels how you feel today and protects your health for the decades ahead.
Medical care
From our doctor
- A full review of your symptoms and health history
- HRT options, if right for you
- Vaginal estrogen for dryness and bladder symptoms
- Testosterone, where appropriate
- Blood tests and DEXA bone scans when needed
Nutrition support
From our nutritionist
- Fuel your body for steadier energy all day
- Calcium, vitamin D and protein for strong bones
- Heart healthy eating to support cholesterol
- Realistic help with weight around the middle
- Find and fix gaps in key nutrients
Your first appointment
An unhurried 60 minute consultation, online or in person. We'll listen to your story, explain what's happening in plain English, talk through your options, and give you a written plan so you know exactly what happens next.
“My mum was told it was just her age for years. We started Menopause Angels so that you're listened to the first time.”
“I thought the night sweats and aching joints were just something I had to live with at 53. The team took the time to explain my options, and the nutrition advice made a huge difference to my energy. I wish I'd come sooner.”
Common questions
Is it too late for me to start HRT?
Not necessarily. For most women under 60, or within 10 years of their last period, the benefits of HRT usually outweigh the risks. If you're older, HRT may still be an option, and our team will look at your personal health history carefully before recommending anything.
Do I need a blood test to confirm menopause?
Usually not, if you're over 45. Menopause is normally recognised from your symptoms and your periods. Blood tests can still be useful if you're younger, or to check things that cause similar symptoms or affect your long term health, such as thyroid function, vitamin D and cholesterol.
Can my diet really make a difference after menopause?
Yes. Your body's needs change after menopause. Eating enough protein, calcium and vitamin D supports your bones, heart healthy fats and fibre help protect your heart, and the right balance of nutrients helps fuel your body and lift your energy. Our nutritionist builds simple changes around your life, working hand in hand with your medical care.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
There's no need. Just book directly with us, online or in person. With your permission, we'll share your plan with your GP so your care stays joined up.