Menopause library
Guides, articles and first-person stories about perimenopause and menopause.
Guides
Am I too young for menopause?What early and premature menopause mean, the ages they typically occur, and when to seek an assessment.
Where can I find help for menopause?Where to find help for menopause — medical providers, menopause specialists, and the questions worth asking.
How can I prepare myself for menopause?How to prepare for menopause: what to read, what to track, and the conversations to have before symptoms start.
How is induced menopause different from natural?How induced menopause — brought on by surgery, radiation or medication — differs from natural menopause.
What are the signs I’m reaching menopause?The signs that perimenopause has begun, from cycle changes to sleep, mood and temperature regulation.
What does menopause mean for my health?What menopause means for long-term health, including the bone, heart and metabolic changes that follow it.
What are all the symptoms of menopause?The recognised perimenopause and menopause symptoms, grouped by how they tend to show up.
What causes menopause?What causes menopause — natural ovarian decline, surgery, medical treatment and other triggers.
Menopause 101What menopause is, when it happens, how perimenopause differs, and the symptoms most commonly reported.
Articles
Why we’re launching the #40Questions campaignWhy Caria launched the #40Questions campaign, and the questions women said they wished they had asked about menopause sooner.- A Guide to Better DigestionJust when you think menopause can’t throw another curveball at you, you start feeling a host of digestive issues. Although it’s one of the less discussed…
CBT for menopause?What cognitive behavioural therapy is, how it differs from CBD, and why it is used as a non-drug approach to menopause symptoms.- Coping with mental changesA first-person reflection on accepting cognitive change in menopause — staying proactive without resisting, and why meditation and simple habits still help.
Emotional changes in midlifeHow mood, identity and emotional wellbeing shift in midlife, and why hormonal change is only part of the picture.
Everything you need to know about COVID-19 & MenopauseHow COVID-19 intersected with menopause care in 2020 — symptoms, appointments, HRT supply and looking after yourself at home.
How to get better sleep during menopauseWhy sleep breaks down during menopause, and the routines, environment changes and habits that help most.
How to manage induced menopauseWhat to expect when menopause is brought on by surgery, radiation or medication, and how managing it differs from natural menopause.- Share your story for a chance to get a £20 Amazon GiftcardHi Caria Community!We’re working with HuffPost UK to raise awareness about perimenopause by sharing stories of real women. As this is a big part of our…
Improving your sex lifeVaginal dryness, libido and intimacy during menopause — what changes, what helps, and how to raise it with a clinician.
Managing menopause one breath at a timeHow paced breathing is used to manage hot flushes and stress in menopause, with a walkthrough of the technique.
Your burning questions about menopause…answeredStraight answers to the questions women ask most often about perimenopause and menopause.
Navigating Menopause as a Woman of ColorHow menopause is experienced and treated differently by women of colour, and the gaps in research and care.- New FeatureHi Caria Community! We’ve heard lots of great feedback about our Reviews feature where community members share personal reviews of HRT and supplements.…
- New Features: ? Notes and ↗️ ExportHi Caria Community! Lots of you have reached out with helpful feedback about how we can improve the app. The newest version of Caria comes with 2 of the…
- New Feature: Guided Stretch VideosEveryone knows that movement, exercise, and yoga are recommended to maintain strength and flexibility, and also reduce joint and muscular pain which are…
- Gut-Brain Connection & MenopauseJanelle asks: “I feel the gut-brain connection is more prominent at my age now at 42 (or I have become more aware of it). Does it get heightened during…
- A Daily Ritual to Follow During PerimenopauseBy Kristen L. – Licensed Integrative Health Coach You’re struggling to sleep at night, experiencing wild mood swings, and your menstrual cycle is all over…
When should I see a doctor about menopause?When menopause symptoms warrant a medical appointment, what to take to it, and what a full assessment covers.
The Changing Self: Who Am I Now?Identity, self-image and the sense of becoming someone new during the menopause transition.
The Perimenopause RitualBuilding a daily ritual through perimenopause — tracking, rest and small routines that make the transition easier to read.- Treatment ReviewsHi Caria Community! We’re excited to announce a new feature based on popular demand. So many of you have reached out to us about needing better…
We need to talk about incontinenceWhy bladder leaks are common in menopause, what causes them, and the exercises and treatments that help.
Why you should track your symptomsWhat symptom tracking reveals over time, and how a written record helps both you and your clinician.
It’s World Menopause Month!Marking World Menopause Month 2019, and why menopause deserves more than a single day of attention.
Stories
Finding my purpose after a hysterectomyA first-person account of a hysterectomy at 42, and finding purpose through surgical menopause.
Learning to pauseA first-person account of slowing down in midlife and learning to listen to a changing body.
Surviving in the Sandwich GenerationA first-person account of going through menopause while caring for both children and ageing parents.
The menopause I didn’t see comingA first-person account of menopause arriving without warning, and what she wishes she had known.
Trauma, menopause, and finding myselfA first-person account of trauma, menopause, and rebuilding a sense of self.
Programme
- Challenge #1Challenge #1 2,937 answered; 39.16% said “💪 Let's do this!”.
- Challenge #1 — one week on7 days ago, we challenged ourselves to dedicate some time each day to taking care of our mental wellness. We’ve been overwhelmed with the response from…
- Workout #1This 5-minute standing lower-body session will stretch your back, hamstrings, glutes, and calves with 3 easy stretches. Comment below on your progress and…
- Day 39: Taking Care of Your HeartHeart health is probably not something you’d automatically associate with menopause. In fact, people generally consider heart disease a “men’s issue”. Up…
- Day 10: The Menopause-Anxiety ConnectionThat anxious feeling like you’re about to jump out of your skin. The restless, sleepless nights. The feelings of dread…the “what if’s” And it’s worse at…
- Day 11: Know Your A-B-C’sWe’ve talked a lot about the connection between thoughts, feelings and behaviors. If you’re feeling happy, chances are you’ve been thinking happy…
- Day 12: Setting a GoalSo you’ve identified your ABCs and can see some of the patterns that accompany your anxiety. The question now is, what can you do about it? You have two…
- Day 13: Managing WorryAs we talked about earlier, worry is the cognitive component of anxiety. It’s the “in your head” part of anxiety. And it is very powerful. Worry is…
- Day 14: Cognitive RestructuringAs we’ve seen, unhelpful, negative thought patterns can exacerbate anxiety and keep you stuck in that negative feedback loop. When you can challenge and…
- Day 15: What is a Hot Flash?This week is all about demystifying the hot flash. There’s probably no other symptom of menopause that’s more well-known, more feared and more steeped in…
- Day 16: Behavioral Reactions To Hot FlashesYou feel the heat rising … and you know. It’s coming. The response is often, “Oh no! Not again…” Your thoughts are racing, you’re burning up, you’re…
- Day 17: Breathing Techniques and Positive ThinkingWhen you have a hot flash, it’s not just physically uncomfortable. It can also be emotionally uncomfortable. It can make you feel anxious, scared and send…
- Day 18: Understanding and Reducing Hot Flash TriggersWhen you hear “trigger”, you probably think about the kind of things or events that cause you to react in a certain way. You might not immediately…
- Day 19: Stress and How It Impacts Hot FlashesLet’s be real. We all have stress. Work stress. Home stress. Financial stress. Life is just stressful. So what’s a girl to do when stress and menopause…
- Day 1: Menopause – What It Is & Why It HappensWelcome to your first lesson! If you’ve downloaded this app, you’re probably looking for help in understanding the changes your body is going through, or…
- Day 20: The Importance of Tracking Your Hot FlashesWhen it comes to managing any symptoms, hot flashes included, there are few things better or easier to use than tracking. For most of us, tracking is…
- Day 21: Setting Goals & Monitoring ProgressSomebody once said, a goal without a plan is just a dream. Often times, we have ideas about what we want to accomplish or change. For instance, you might…
- Day 22: Understanding SleepThis week is designed to help improve your sleep. Sleep is something we often take for granted until it’s a problem. We can sleep too much. We can sleep…
- Day 23: Anxiety/Worrying ThoughtsOne of the most common complaints people have – even those not dealing with menopause – is night time anxiety. Anxious thoughts and worry. For a lot of…
- Day 24: What Causes Night SweatsYou wake up out of a dead sleep feeling like you’re on fire. The bed sheets are soaked and you feel like you’ve just run a marathon in the middle of the…
- Day 25: Forming Healthy Sleep HabitsIf you’re like most people, you don’t give much thought to your sleep. You’re on the go all day, right up until it’s time for bed. You fall into bed and…
- Day 26: What To Do When You Have Insomnia/Night SweatsWhen you can’t sleep, the night can feel like it’s never going to end. Your thoughts turn to sleep, why you can’t sleep, worrying if you’ll fall…
- Day 27: Importance Of Tracking Your SleepBy now, you’re probably thinking that there’s a lot of tracking going on. Well there is. And do you know why? Because you can’t change what you don’t know…
- Day 28: Setting Goals and Monitoring ProgressTracking is important and tells you a lot about what you’re doing, what’s working and what’s not. So, you end up with data. Just what do you do with it?…
- Day 29: Embracing Change IntroWelcome to Week 5 which is all about embracing change. In 6 steps, you’ll learn how to transform your relationship to the changes you’re experiencing, so…
- Day 2: Evolutionary Explanation of MenopauseEvery species, including we humans, evolves over time. This ensure we adapt to our ever-changing environments and continue surviving as a species. If you…
- Day 30: Choose Your CircumstanceWelcome to Step One of How to Embrace Change, the first step of your journey to adjusting so well to the change of life, your friends will wonder what…
- Day 31: Honor Your HeartIn this step, you continue your journey by exploring a super simple way to create more ease, even on days when you’re exhausted and feel like the world is…
- Day 32: Accept Your AdventureIn this step you’re going to gain two powerful tools in your toolkit, to help you navigate this time of change in your life. You may have noticed that we…
- Day 33: Nourish Your New NormalIn this step, you build upon your discoveries by exploring a simple way to create more balance in your days, without needing to change your entire life…
- Day 34: Grow Your GratitudeThe fact you’ve made it to Step 5 says a lot about how motivated you are to approach this time of change with more acceptance. Take a moment to reflect on…
- Day 35: Embrace Your EnoughnessIn today’s step, you’ll discover the biggest secret to embracing change in the longer term, not just when you have tools like this to support you. You’ve…
- Day 36: Menopause and HealthWe know that menopause is a natural process that occurs in every woman’s life. We generally think, OK, my period will end and that will be it. Right?…
- Day 37: Importance of ExerciseFrom the title of this lesson, you might be expecting me to talk about how GREAT exercise is for you. We’re not saying it’s not, but here’s the truth…it…
- Day 38: Guide to NutritionLike exercise, nutrition plays a really significant role in your health. Nutrition is the way we fuel our body. The kinds of nutrients we take in have a…
- Day 3: Menopause Through The AgesToday we accept that menopause is a natural process that we experience as late in our lives. But historically, menopausal women were viewed very…
- Day 40: Healthy BonesTaking care of our bones was rarely on our minds earlier. But things are starting to change… we do face higher risks of bone issues at this time in our…
- Day 41: Keeping Your Brain SharpYou walk into your kitchen, open the fridge, aaaand…what were you looking for…? Hello, brain fog. Scenarios like this are probably happening more than you…
- Day 42: Staying MotivatedWow, this course has been a heavy one, hasn’t it? We’ve learnt a LOT about how important our health becomes during this transition, and what we need to be…
- Day 4: Cultural Perspectives of MenopauseIn all the ways that women are similar, we each experience menopause a little differently. Differences in genetics, body chemistry and even mindset…
- Day 5: It’s A Process – Peri to PostWhen we think of menopause, most of us think of that time when we start to feel differently. Our periods start to get weird on us and we just generally…
- Day 6: Overview of Symptoms and Bodily ChangesSo, now that you know more about menopause, its history and what to expect of the process, it’s time to talk more specifically about symptoms. Remember…
- Day 7: What Is CBT and How It Can Help With Menopausal SymptomsWhen you think of menopause and all that comes with it, therapy might not be the first, or even the second thing that comes to mind. You might be thinking…
- Day 8: Anxiety – What It Is and Why It’s Not Just Too Much WorryWhen you think of “anxiety”, what comes to mind? Feeling nervous? Worrying? Wanting to hide under the blankets and never come out? Anxiety can be all of…
- Day 9: Overview of CBT for AnxietyWhen you think about your anxiety and what to do about it, you might not immediately think of therapy. Your initial thoughts might be more of something…
- Challenge #2Challenge #2 611 answered; 31.75% said “💪 Let's do this!”.
- Workout #2This 5-minute standing upper-body session is great for your spine and back, with some added benefits for your lower body too. Comment below on your…
- Workout #3Stretch your hip flexors, glutes, thighs, hamstrings, and back with these 3 easy exercises that you can do on a mat, carpet, or floor. Comment below on…
- Workout #4This 5-minute seated upper-body session will stretch your neck, triceps, and shoulders. Comment below on your progress and join us for tomorrow’s session…
- Workout #5Stretch your glutes, hips, and back with these 3 exercises Comment below on your progress and join us for tomorrow for a full-body session! ?
- Workout #6These exercises provide a full-body stretch session in just 5 minutes. Comment below on your progress and join us for the last day of the mobility…
- Workout #7Complete these 3 full-body stretches to close out the mobility challenge strong! Thank you for joining us for the mobility challenge! Comment below on…
Community discussions
- How long did it take to realize your symptoms were related to menopause?How long did it take to realize your symptoms were related to menopause? 40.16% said “Less than a year”.
- Acne & rosacea?Has anyone else found they have developed acne/rosacea during peri menopause? I assume it’s due to hormonal changes but this is a major symptom for me and…
- AcupunctureAcupuncture 64 answered; 48.44% said “Very effective”.
- Armpit pain?I have been feeling armpit pain, always in my left side and never the right! I’ve been to a breast clinic few years ago, and to and fro to my GP, and it’s…
- AshwagandhaAshwagandha 145 answered; 48.28% said “Somewhat effective”.
- Autoimmunity and Menopause – What’s the link?It’s one of the great mysteries of science, and one that affects the lives of millions of people: Why do women’s immune systems gang up on us far more…
- Back painI’m 50 and have experienced many of the menopausal issues discussed in earlier posts (I love this app by the way – it’s made me feel sane again, thank…
- Best hair length for menopause?I’ve always had pretty long hair, past my shoulders, for as long as I can remember. Since menopause I’ve been clipping or tying into a bun to keep it up…
- Black CohoshBlack Cohosh 197 answered; 51.78% said “Somewhat effective”.
- Body AcneI’ve been experiencing severe back acne! I’ve recently had a blood test showing I am definitely in full blown menopause so I know this is directly…
- Breast changes?Since entering perimenopause my breasts have been aching terribly. At various times tender, swollen, or painful — the pain seems to strike randomly and…
- Burning sensation?Has anyone else had a burning sensation in their lips (mouth)? I’m peri and in the last week or so my bottom lip has started burning. It doesn’t hurt to…
- Cannabidiol (CBD)Cannabidiol (CBD) 115 answered; 48.7% said “Somewhat effective”.
- Cognitive Behavioral TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy 30 answered; 43.33% said “Very effective”.
- Changes in taste?I’ve been in perimenopause for the last two years. My symptoms are not too bad apart for night sweats and hot flushes. As you guys know, every day a new…
- Changing body odor?Since I have been in menopause, it’s like someone stuffed my armpits with onions and in the lower region (vagina area) are weird smells that I never…
- Combination PatchCombination Patch 64 answered; 57.81% said “Very effective”.
- Combination TabletsCombination Tablets 105 answered; 51.43% said “Somewhat effective”.
- Confused on the coilI have a coil and I haven’t had a period the whole time. But, I still get every symptom of getting a period. I’m also noticing symptoms like fatigue…
- Coping with menopause and moreI’ve had fibromyalgia and fatigue since 2016. However, since being peri menopausal, brain fog has increased and I don’t know the difference between fibro…
- Curbing osteoporosisI recently fractured my big toe and when I went to see my doctor he diagnosed me with osteoporosis. I just turned 50. I thought that was something you…
- Dating in menopauseLast year I ended a long-term, but toxic relationship. I’m now 49 and ready to dip my toe into the dating pool, but I feel a bit like an alien visiting a…
- Dealing with brain fogHow is everyone dealing with brain fog? This is a very unexpected symptom of menopause for me!– Anna, Twin Falls, Idaho
- Dealing with IBSDoes anyone else have IBS flare-ups? I’ve been going through menopause for 14 years and manage to keep things under control, but every few years I’ll get…
- Dealing with a different vaginaI want to ask about managing vaginal dryness and if it’s possible to enjoy sex without pain. Does HRT help return things to normal? I feel like I’m…
- DizzinesI’m curious how many women suffer from dizziness during perimenopause? I have it quite a lot and it’s really horrid! Is it just me, or a common symptom?–…
- Electric ShocksI first experienced, what I can best describe as a zap of electricity, when I began perimenopause. They seem connected to hot flashes as I sometimes feel…
- Estrogen-only GelEstrogen-only Gel 150 answered; 48.67% said “Very effective”.
- Estrogen-only PatchEstrogen-only Patch 183 answered; 50.82% said “Very effective”.
- Estrogen-only SprayEstrogen-only Spray 20 answered; 50.0% said “Somewhat effective”.
- Estrogen-only TabletsEstrogen-only Tablets 120 answered; 45.83% said “Somewhat effective”.
- Evening Primrose OilEvening Primrose Oil 49 answered; 46.94% said “Very effective”.
- ExerciseExercise 132 answered; 54.55% said “Very effective”.
- Feeling out of controlI went shopping today and heard someone talking about me to their partner. I lost it and was rude and quite personal with my reaction. Sometimes I feel…
- Fibroids?Has anyone thought that the clotting and heavy periods of perimenopause are your body shedding all womb linings to get ready to never shed again? Or could…
- Fluctuations?Is it just me, or does it seem as if menopause symptoms tend to fluctuate? For example, some weeks my armpits smell like onions, my night sweats are so…
- Food allergyI used to love eating seafood, but since beginning perimenopause, if I do my tongue starts to itch and get hives. My OBGYN said sometimes food allergies…
- GinsengGinseng 30 answered; 36.67% said “Somewhat effective”.
- Going grayHi ladies, I’m well into perimenopause now and starting to show more than a few gray hairs. My natural hair color is dark brown so the gray is pretty…
- How to grow into grey hair?Hi ladies, I’ve been dying my hair for the last 25 years. For those who are also used to dying, how have you learnt to grow into your grey hair? – Mayra…
- Hair lossI’m 51 and have been in peri for about 3 years now. Lately, I’ve noticed increasing hair loss. I’m not bald by any means, but this is very distressing…
- Hair Loss?Have any of you experienced significant hair loss? What medical treatments or supplements have helped? How do you cope with this challenge? – Jo from…
- Hair removalI’m 48 and have been in peri for about three years now. I think one of the worst changes I’ve noticed has been the sprouting of new, and thicker, hair on…
- Hand PainI’m 52 and a couple years ago began to experience sudden issues with my hands – soreness, loss of strength, and sometimes painful aching in the joints. I…
- Heart palpitations during periodsHas anyone noticed an increase in palpitations when they get their period during perimenopause? – Mandy, UK
- Heartburn or reflux?I’m having trouble determining if my issue is heartburn or acid reflux. It occurs in the throat mainly and can almost make me gag at times. I took…
- High heart rate?I’m new here and I was wondering if anyone else has high blood pressure with a fast heart rate? I’m taking blood pressure medicine but my heart rate is…
- Hip & leg pain?Hi all. I have been suffering from hip and leg pain for about two years. It is now getting to the stage that I am not getting much sleep. Has anyone…
- How helpful is hormone testing?I’m experiencing all the classic symptoms (and then some), but am on the younger side for perimenopause and considering asking my doctor for a hormone…
- Hormones and skincareI keep reading that because of hormonal changes during and after peri menopause, taking care of your skin becomes more important than ever. I’m newly…
- Hot flash or panic attack?I’m in my early-forties and think I may have recently had my first hot flash… but I’m not sure. I’ve always dealt with bad anxiety, and recent events have…
- Hot flash triggersI started experiencing perimenopause a few months ago and hot flashes are definitely one of my worst symptoms – I finally understand what my older sister…
- How to convince doctors?How do I convince doctors I believe I’m experiencing menopause? I have stinging nipples, dry skin, night sweats, hair loss, sobbing with low mood, brain…
- How to know if it’s menopause?Does any one get extremely gassy and bloated?? Constipation, but still going a lot? Worse indigestion if you already had it, and worsening PMS?? I also…
- How to talk to loved onesWhat are the most effective ways you have found to communicate with your loved ones about the changes you are going through physically, emotionally, and…
- HRT alternatives for mental healthCan anyone tell me whether this is normal…I’m 53 and have been perimenopausal for a number of years now. More recently I’ve started to feel more anxious…
- HRT and weight gainI’ve gained weight while on HRT, have others had the same experience? Has anyone tried HRT and not gained weight? – Dee
- HRT for weight loss?I never used to have food or weight issues but I’ve just started menopause symptoms. Is it normal to all of a sudden gain almost 20 pounds and crave…
- HypnotherapyHypnotherapy 17 answered; 47.06% said “Somewhat effective”.
- IBS Flare Ups?Does anyone have IBS flare ups? I’ve been going through menopause for 14 years and seem to have flare ups every few years. I’ve always managed to keep it…
- Importance of friendsI’ve had a really difficult perimenopause experience, that never seems to end. I know how isolating it can sometimes feel and that’s why I wanted to…
- Increased Appetite?Has anyone else noticed an increased in appetite since entering perimenopause? – Jennifer, San Diego
- How can I overcome insomnia?For the last couple years my sleep patterns have been totally disrupted. Some nights I struggle to fall asleep until 3am and then wake up at 6. Other…
- Internal Vaginal ItchI’ve been experiencing an inter-vaginal itch, but in one specific spot. I’ve tried lubes and creams but they seem to make no difference. The doctor says…
- Irregular flow?I am 50 and have been in perimenopause for at least 2 years with fairly normal periods. Suddenly in the last 40 days I have had terrible cramping and…
- Irregular Symptoms?My cycle is crazy irregular. One month it lasts three weeks, the next 28 days, the next 34, then 26 days… One month my breasts are horribly tender, the…
- Is it a hot flash?I get this feeling of intense warmth come over me from top to toe. I can have 2-4 of these a day. I don’t get the red flushed face, just get this…
- ItchingFor the last 7 months I have suffered from external vaginal itching which began from a thrush infection caused by antibiotics and has never really gone.…
- Itchy breasts?Does anyone have itchy breasts? Seems like it’s tied to my hormones. I’m 7 months with no moon time. – Michele
- Kegels for leaking?43 here and just started having a new symptom (oh, joy). Throughout the day — especially when laughing hard, running, or otherwise straining — I’ve…
- Local (Vaginal) EstrogenLocal (Vaginal) Estrogen 52 answered; 50.0% said “Very effective”.
- Losing love for my job…I’m not sure if this is related to menopause or just life, but I’ve started losing my love for my job. I enjoyed my high-stress career for over 25 years…
- Low tolerance?Is low tolerance for other people’s crap a symptom of menopause? I haven’t seen it on any lists, but I am definitely feeling it ? I have found myself…
- Maca RootMaca Root 70 answered; 55.71% said “Somewhat effective”.
- Makeup TipsI love wearing makeup but my usual go-to products just don’t work for me anymore. My skin has gotten a lot more dry and less bouncy, and no products I own…
- Managing menopause after breast cancerWhat are alternative ways to manage menopause symptoms after breast cancer? I am in menopause and taking Anastrozole and the night sweats and insomnia…
- Menopause ageHas anyone who started their periods at a young age (mine was 10) noticed they came into perimenopause/menopause early? I 100% started perimenopause at 39…
- Menopause & DiabetesI’m a Type I diabetic; I’ve had it for 46 years now. Since I finally entered into full menopause/no periods for a year, I’ve noticed a huge amount of high…
- Migraines and headaches?I have always suffered with migraines, sinus pain and headaches but since being peri-menopausal I have noticed that they have changed. It alternates…
- MindfulnessMindfulness 73 answered; 53.42% said “Very effective”.
- Mood changesI’m 53 and have been in perimenopause for a number of years now. Recently, I’ve started to feel more anxious, cry easily, have lots of mood swings, and am…
- Motherhood and menopauseI’m 39 and had my daughter in 2018. Just one year later, I went straight into premature menopause. As of this year, I haven’t had a period in 9 months, so…
- Nasal Congestion?I was wondering if anyone has experienced having a stuffy nose during menopause. I saw my ENT and he thinks my right nostril is congested due to hormone…
- Overcoming depression in menopauseOne of the less discussed symptoms of menopause is depression. A new study published this month in Menopause, the journal of the North American Menopause…
- Pain during sex?Hi ladies, I wanted to ask if anyone else is experiencing discomfort and pain during sex? I’ve used lubricants regularly over the years but I’m not…
- Painful bloating?Does anyone experience very painful bloating which feels like trapped gas in their upper abdomen in the days leading up to their period? Any tips on what…
- Parenting in COVIDHow are moms here dealing with the craziness of COVID? I have 2 very energetic boys aged 7 and 8 and a “balance” between work, life, school, and play is…
- Pelvic Pain?I have been experiencing chronic pelvic pain with low back and hip pain. First it was just with obvious cycle times like menses and ovulation, but now…
- Peri ParanoiaI wonder whether anyone else is struggling with feelings of paranoia and inadequacy since starting perimenopause. For example, I feel my husband no longer…
- Periods Restarting?Can you actually start bleeding again after almost 7 months with no periods? Prior to this I would have them closer together say every two weeks then I’ve…
- Have you noticed an increase or change in body odor?Have you noticed an increase or change in body odor? 1,433 women answered; 46.13% said “Yes, a major change”.
- Have you experienced brain fog during menopause?Have you experienced brain fog during menopause? 1,617 women answered; 95.79% said “Yes”.
- How has your experience been with doctors when it comes to menopause?How has your experience been with doctors when it comes to menopause? 1,300 women answered; 72.54% said “Not good”.
- What are your experiences and thoughts about HRT?What are your experiences and thoughts about HRT? 1,164 women answered; 34.62% said “🤔 I'm considering it”.
- Where are you in your menopause journey?Where are you in your menopause journey? 3,338 women answered; 54.31% said “Perimenopause (I have irregular periods)”.
- How have the COVID-19 lockdowns impacted your sex life?How have the COVID-19 lockdowns impacted your sex life? 768 answered; 49.74% said “It's still the same”.
- What do you find most helpful in managing your symptoms?What do you find most helpful in managing your symptoms? 1,129 women answered; 36.67% said “Exercise”.
- How long have you been in perimenopause?How long have you been in perimenopause? 2,463 women answered; 30.94% said “1-2 years”.
- Have you found supplements helpful?Have you found supplements helpful? 1,282 women answered; 49.84% said “Yes”.
- Have you found your symptoms affecting your work or career?Have you found your symptoms affecting your work or career? 1,312 women answered; 88.19% said “Yes”.
- Positive symptoms?Has anyone noticed positives during menopause? The one symptom I don’t relate to is loss of libido. In fact the opposite: after years of being…
- Progesterone-only TabletsProgesterone-only Tablets 103 answered; 45.63% said “Very effective”.
- Join the menopause wellness programJoin the menopause wellness program 2,937 answered; 39.16% said “💪 Let's do this!”.
- Red CloverRed Clover 39 answered; 43.59% said “Not effective”.
- RegretsI went into menopause early at 41 and instantly felt overwhelming regret for never having started a family. I prioritized my career and other interests…
- Restless legsI dearly miss being able to sleep through the night. Besides night sweats and early waking, I’ve recently been dealing with a new symptom: restless leg…
- Reversing MenopauseIn 2016, scientists in Athens announced they could “reverse menopause” by injecting platelet-rich plasma (PRP) into women’s ovaries, stimulating tissue…
- RhodiolaRhodiola 32 answered; 43.75% said “Very effective”.
- Self-careAt times, it can be much easier to care for other people. Taking care of yourself can feel even like a betrayal, or self-indulgence. But remember: you…
- How to speak to your doctor?I’m really struggling to get my doctor listen to me, let alone help me. I’ve been laughed at, dismissed, patronised and completely ignored. How do you get…
- Speeding up metabolismI’ve noticed since being in menopause, I’m finding it very hard to lose weight. I have this belly fat that I can’t seem to get rid of. I work out 5 times…
- SSRIs for hot flashes?I recently went to my doctor in search of something to help with my hot flashes and other symptoms. He recommended trying antidepressants (specifically…
- St. John’s WortSt. John’s Wort 35 answered; 45.71% said “Somewhat effective”.
- Swollen Fingers?I have very red swollen fingers and have read that this may be due to a reduction in oestrogen? I had a hysterectomy 2 years ago and have been on…
- Symptoms caused by wine?Whenever I drink more than a glass or two of wine now, even during the day followed by water, I end up with horribly disturbed sleep and it feels like…
- TestosteroneTestosterone 45 answered; 44.44% said “Very effective”.
- Tingling sensations?Is tingling normal during peri-menopause or menopause? I get tingling sensations and it freaks me out because I’m not sure if it’s a symptom or something…
- Too old for a new career?Recent events have caused me to reflect on my situation and realize that, whether I like it or not, I’m squarely in midlife. I’ve concluded that I need to…
- TurmericTurmeric 120 answered; 60.0% said “Somewhat effective”.
- Unexpected symptoms?For the last year or so I’ve been dealing with hot flashes, which I expected as part of the transition since my mother had them pretty badly. However, I…
- Uterine ablation or hysterectomy?I’ve been having horrible, unpredictable bleeding for the past 18 months along with many of the other joys that accompany perimenopause to the extent that…
- Recurring UTIThe last couple years I’ve dealt with multiple UTIs. I was lucky enough to rarely deal with this in the past, but lately these bladder infections have…
- Vaginal infectionsI’m 53 and having irregular periods. After every period I either end up with BV (bacterial vaginosis) or a yeast infection, and it’s driving me mad. I’ve…
- Weird periods?Does anyone else have weird periods? I’m having irregular periods and most of the time they’re so heavy and painful. I’ve noticed the actual blood is…
- Weird symptoms?Does anyone experience bloating and sore-throat-like symptoms complemented by hot flushes? This has been going on for a week. I feel like I have tender…
- What has been your experience of menopause?Menopause can be different for everyone. Unfortunately, it can also be an isolating experience. As you begin your 40-day program, reflect upon and share…
- How do you manage joint pain?Do others also experience painful joints and muscles? How do you manage them with exercises (or other approaches?) Please share what you’ve tried and what…
- What’s the best diet for menopause?I just started perimenopause and am hoping to manage my symptoms naturally, as best I can. I’ve seen a lot of articles online about how diet can have a…
- What’s your partner like?I’m in my late 40s and divorced. I met my husband when I was 17 and he was the first man I ever had sex with. Throughout my marriage I was pretty…
- What’s your period like?Hi ladies, I’m curious to know what your periods are like. Are they heavy or light? Are you noticing any color or texture changes? Sorry if I’m asking a…
- When will it end?I’d like to know when all this will end! I’m in my 60s, but still have crippling menopausal symptoms. I sweat at least three times per hour, have soaking…
- Why am I so angry?Is anyone else confused by sudden feelings of rage and sadness? I was never the kind of person to lose their cool but lately I’ve felt completely out of…
- YogaYoga 102 answered; 52.94% said “Very effective”.
Short fiction
- A Tempting Dance: Part 1I stare at the clock hanging against my blue bedroom wall. 7:58 pm. I glance around the room, shoes and dresses strewn about (my mother would’ve had a…
- A Tempting Dance: Part 2Lights flash by my eyes, the blur of bodies moving around me as I am led by (whom I can only describe as), the stallion of a man whose protective hand…
- An Exchange of PowerMy palms sweat as I step into the elevator, seeing the reflection of myself in its closing gold doors. Here on 56th Street and 5th Avenue, New York City…
- Naughty NeighborI liked the way he looked while moving the lawn. Now, I know, a middle-aged housewife should have more important things to do than stare out her bedroom…
- Office CrushI walk into the conference room for a scheduled late-day meeting, my colleagues already gathered in their seats. I move to my open spot and sit, adjusting…
- Secret IdentitiesHe began undoing the clasps of his gold watch, his warm cologne lingering sensually in the air. I stretched across the silk, fitted, white sheets……