"There’s no such thing as a typical menopause. We’re all different, and we’ll all go through the years of 45 to 55 or so with varying degrees of disruption. Perhaps you’ve just entered the first phase – perimenopause – and you’re exhausted by sleepless nights. Or you may have landed slap-bang in the middle of full-blown menopause and you wonder if an alien (with a tendency to hot flushes and brain fog) has taken over your body. Whichever stage you’re at, there’s one irrefutable truth: you’re not alone. There are millions of women going through the same thing right now – and, increasingly, speaking out about it. No longer is menopause a taboo topic. Women in midlife are pushing for greater employment rights, starting to celebrate their freedom from monthly cycles, and realising there is an exciting life to be enjoyed on the other side. But first, let us guide you through. With hundreds of tips, personal experiences and expert advice, The Smart Woman’s Guide to the Menopause will help you navigate the symptoms and stresses of this, your ultimate rite of passage."
First things first…
The Smart Woman’s Guide to the Menopause
The three menopause stages • Peri, post, or just plain meno… Here’s the lowdown on your stage of the ‘pause’
10 things you might not know about the MENOPAUSE • Whether you have endless symptoms or sail through, we’re here to inject a little clarity into the chaos
Leave no woman BEHIND! • From Hollywood stars to national treasures – and every female on the planet – we will all experience the menopause. Here’s our round-up of celebrities happy to share their experiences
Get back to the real you • When everything in life appears to be changing out of your control, here’s how to feel like you again…
It’s getting HOT IN HERE • The commonest and perhaps most bothersome aspect of menopause is an out-of-control body thermostat. Here’s how to keep your cool…
The truth about HRT • HRT is surrounded by myths, so what’s the truth? Charlotte Haigh examines the evidence and talks to the experts…
Her light materials • The right fabrics can make a real difference when you have a hot flush or night sweat. Lisa Buckingham has some suggestions…
Give your bones a boost • One in three menopausal women suffer from osteoporosis. Our tips will help strengthen your skeleton and reduce your risk…
Save your skin • Fluctuating hormones can wreak havoc on your complexion. It’s time to fight back with our skin SOS guide
The THICK OF IT • Hormones during the menopause have a lot to answer for, including hair loss. But there is plenty we can do to look after our crowning glory
Your complete guide to a STRONGER pelvic floor • Incontinence problems are more common than we’d like to admit. Here’s how to deal with them
The JOY of change • Journalist and broadcaster Caryn Franklin shares her frank account of going through a turbulent menopause and how she came out the other side
Eat yourself happy & healthy • What we eat in menopause can influence how we feel. In Superfoods to Superhealth, Dr Johanna Ward offers dietary advice and inspiring recipes
RAINBOW RECIPES to revive you • Dr Johanna Ward and plant-based chef Charlotte Kjaer bring you five delicious dishes packed with the nutrients you need for midlife…
EAT TO BEAT HOT FLUSHES • These dishes are rich in phytoestrogens that help the body to manage menopausal symptoms
Feed the hormone rollercoaster • Fill your shopping basket with these foods to give your body an easier ride
Ease your symptoms with exercise • Don’t be beaten by the menopause. Get your body moving and show it who’s boss…
If you only do one thing… • Walk....