This is one of the biggest misconceptions about menopause. The majority of women successfully work through the menopause, either through changes in their diet and lifestyle, or with support from a menopause supplement, HRT or a combination of all these changes.

Not true. Not all women have hot flushes, and not all women experience symptoms of menopause. Some women will experience mild symptoms only. The drop in female sex hormones interferes with the function of the adrenal glands, and this combination of low oestrogen, progesterone and disrupted adrenal glands triggers hot flushes. There is some research that suggests that consuming isoflavones during menopause can reduce the incidence of hot flushes.

Unfortunately this is far from the case. Only 40% of medical schools in the UK have menopause in the curriculum. This is because it is a natural occurrence and not a disease (even though it can feel like one), and therefore is not prioritised in the medical curriculum. There are however some specialist practitioners such as endocrinologists who can be very helpful, so don’t rule out everyone in the medical profession. Many women also find great help from alternative and complementary therapists such as Nutritional Therapists, Herbalists and Acupuncturists. Again, remember that menopause in the medical profession is a specialism so look for someone who specialises in hormone health and menopause.

Many women do not realise that the menopause is setting in until much later during menopause, often because the symptoms may be confused for something else. The menopause does not always set in during the late 40s to 50s - some women can go through early menopause after just one period. There are several conditions that can lead to early menopause, so it is always best to get consult your GP or a specialist if you are unsure. Your GP can check your hormone levels in your blood and tell you if you are approaching the menopause or going through it.

It's not easy mentally to be approaching or going through the menopause. In addition, hormones can play havoc with moods and the changes that are occurring can themselves cause more stress and confusion, especially if it is unexpected. You may enjoy '5 foods to improve your mood'. However some women sail through the menopause mentally and physically, and although it is not just a state of mind (think about how hormones cause PMS!), there are things you can do to help you transition through menopause and alleviate mood swings. Menopause supplements can be of real benefit, so too can HRT, but there are other options including counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for menopause, meditation and yoga.

Although some women find sex a little more difficult during the menopause, many women find that the increase in testosterone levels can actually increase libido. If you are suffering from vaginal dryness there are some great natural lubricants on the market which can help. If vaginal atrophy (VA) or thinning is a problem, consider taking Vitamin D supplements as these have been shown in research to help reduce dryness of the vaginal atrophy due to menopause. Try to maintain an active sex life because regular sex can help to alleviate these symptoms or at least keep them at bay.

Exercise is really important before and after menopause. However you may need to make a few changes to your routine because 'menopause fatigue' is a real thing. Exercise, especially weight-bearing exercise, is essential though the menopause. Due to the decline in oestrogen, the bones start to lose Calcium, and you can slow down the rate of loss in Calcium through exercise, so ensure you build exercise into your weekly routine.