Women's Health

The menopause

Technically speaking, ‘menopause’ is just what happens to a woman’s body when her periods stop (usually between the ages of 45 and 55). However, people often use ‘menopause’ in place of the proper term perimenopause to describe the period that leads up to the menopause. During perimenopause, levels of hormones oestrogen and progesterone start to rise and fall in an erratic manor, before plateauing at a lower level for the rest of a woman’s life.

This perimenopausal period usually lasts around four years, but it can go on for up to 12 years and while some women don’t have any negative symptoms, some can feel the effects quite badly. These include the famous hot flushes and night sweats, which affect 60-85% of women, varying in frequency and severity – sometimes they can last for as long as 15 years (yikes!). Periods can also be affected and become unpredictable, shorter or longer.

Calcium - it’s essential for healthy bones and teeth. Find it in foods like green leafy vegetables, cheese, milk, fortified juices and bread.

Vitamin B6 – contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity. Find it in foods like oats, brown rice, soya and eggs.

Zinc – helps with normal fertility and reproduction. Find it in foods like bread, dairy, shellfish and meat.