The following ‘Ask the Experts’ questions were sent in to The Menopause Exchange by our members, the answers were provided by our ‘Ask the Experts’ panel and included in issue 85 (summer 2020) and issue 86 (autumn 2020) of The Menopause Exchange newsletter. If you would like to read the questions and answers in the latest issue of The Menopause Exchange newsletter sign up for FREE emailed newsletters.
The Menopause Exchange Blog
MENOPAUSE ‘ASK THE EXPERTS’ QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
February 24th, 2021WORKPLACE MENOPAUSE POLICIES AND GUIDANCE
January 15th, 2021I ’ve been presenting talks and workshops in the workplace for 21 years, and more recently webinars. An important focus of interest over the last two years has been the preparation of a menopause policy or guidance for employees and employers.
IS THIS THE MENOPAUSE?
January 10th, 2021In the months or years leading up to the menopause, women can experience common symptoms including hot flushes, night sweats and insomnia, especially before a period. Fortunately, many recognise these symptoms and ask for advice. But women with less common symptoms may not ask for help, delaying the diagnosis. Less common symptoms include joint aches and pain, ‘brain fog,’ feeling forgetful, skin changes, low mood or mood swings, a loss of interest in sex, vaginal dryness and bladder problems.
STARTING ON HRT
December 27th, 2020Many women go through the menopause around the age of 50 or 51 without any problems at all. But some women may struggle with symptoms, leading them to consult their GP or another healthcare professional to discuss whether HRT is right for them.
NUTRITION AND IMMUNITY
December 26th, 2020Following the outbreak of Covid-19 across the globe, the media (both print and online) has been awash with ways to boost our immunity. Ranging from garlic and lemons, to alkaline foods and cleansing, suggestions range from the everyday to downright bizarre. Could what you eat influence your immunity? Here’s what you can do, both during and after the menopause, to help maintain great health.
THYROID PROBLEMS AND THE MENOPAUSE
August 5th, 2020Your thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland just in front of your windpipe. Its job is to control your metabolism. When your thyroid gland doesn’t work properly, you may notice symptoms such as palpitations and weight loss (caused by an overactive gland) or depression and hair loss (caused by an underactive gland). Two in every 100 people in the UK will suffer from a problem with their thyroid gland, and 3% of women aged 50 or over are taking thyroid hormones.
DOES LIFE BEGIN AT THE MENOPAUSE? NORMA GOLDMAN’S VIEW
August 8th, 2019Norma Goldman BPharm. MRPharmS. MSc.
Founder & Director of The Menopause Exchange.
Going through the menopause certainly hasn’t stopped me enjoying life. And I hope my story will inspire and encourage women to ‘have a go’ and take opportunities as they arise.
I have a degree in pharmacy. I obtained a Master’s degree in health promotion and I am a qualified health promotion specialist. In 1999, I founded The Menopause Exchange, which is an independent organisation for anyone with an interest in menopausal issues.
I present talks and workshops on all aspects of the menopause to both women and healthcare professionals. I am highly attuned to the concerns of women facing the menopause and I enjoy meeting them at the talks that I present, interacting with them and hearing about their menopausal experiences. I am often interviewed by journalists for newspapers, journals and magazines.
Since I founded The Menopause Exchange, my life has become more hectic than ever. I am married with two daughters and three grandchildren, so I also enjoy spending time with my family.
MENOPAUSE POEM
November 10th, 2018Boiling Betty and Freezing Freddie
A poem by Roger Bulgin, husband of a member of The Menopause Exchange
Boiling Betty is a woman of a certain age, whose children have grown up and moved away.
Though still an object of desire, her body now creates a different fire.
So when she goes out, her coat stays undone, and she carries a fan in case of the sun.
While Freddie’s collar is up and his cap pulled down, he wears his scarf and gloves while he walks through the town.
For where once Betty’s eggs were laid and hatched, her hormones have left for the coast, their bags all packed.
At night she steams with her sleep often broken, and even in winter the window is left wide open.
While Freddie freezes under blankets and pyjamas, he thinks his wife has gone bananas.
“Freezing Freddie,” she calls in her night sweats, “if you’re cold, just go put on another vest!”
So while Freddie shivers like ice beneath the duvet, Betty sizzles like a pancake on Shrove Tuesday.
“I’m boiling,” cries Betty. “I think I’m on fire!” “I’m freezing,” thinks Freddie. “Can we turn the heating higher?”
So like all good marriages built on give and take, they moved to the middle of the bed to arbitrate.
Where Betty is embraced by Freddie’s cooling arms, and Freddie is warmed by Betty’s enduring charms.
Copyright © The Menopause Exchange
MENOPAUSE CLINICS
October 16th, 2016Most women with menopausal symptoms are seen and successfully treated by their GP or practice nurse. However, sometimes they may need to go to a menopause clinic for special advice. This may be because they have had breast cancer, have medical conditions that make treatment difficult or have experienced a premature menopause. Sometimes a menopause clinic can offer treatments not available to GPs.
If you currently attend, or have attended, a menopause clinic (NHS/private), or you work at a menopause clinic, please email norma@menopause-exchange.co.uk with the clinic’s name and address details.