[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”1280px” custom_padding=”20px|||||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”17px” text_line_height=”1.3em” link_text_color=”#4c77d3″ link_font_size=”17px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Home<\/a>\u00a0 >\u00a0 Health & Wellbeing<\/a>\u00a0 >\u00a0 Physical Health<\/a>\u00a0 >\u00a0 Menopause Support<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Menopause support” admin_label=”borrow title” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#232459″ title_font_size=”77px” custom_margin=”||12px|||” title_font_size_tablet=”65px” title_font_size_phone=”45px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”20px” text_line_height=”1.3em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The menopause affects everyone. Browse our resources to help manage symptoms of the perimenopause and the menopause.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”19px” text_line_height=”1.3em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n If you have lived experience and would like support, you can sign up to the free Menopause & Me<\/a> community course delivered by Suffolk Mind. The course offers five online, interactive sessions, and is aimed at anyone experiencing the perimenopause or menopause.<\/p>\n Each session is designed to address and focus on different areas of information and support, to help people better understand their symptoms, and how to support themselves. This will be through teaching, learning activities and opportunities to share within the group.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.suffolkmind.org.uk\/services\/menopause-and-me\/” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Self-refer through Suffolk Mind” admin_label=”Join link to spydus” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”20px” button_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_bg_color=”#232459″ button_border_width=”2px” button_border_color=”#232459″ button_border_radius=”10px” button_font=”|800|||||||” button_icon=”$||divi||400″ button_on_hover=”off” custom_margin=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding=”|||13px|false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” button_bg_color__hover=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” button_bg_enable_color__hover=”on” custom_margin__hover_enabled=”on|hover” custom_margin__hover=”|0px|||false|false” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” button_text_color__hover=”#037541″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||30px||false|false” border_color_all=”gcid-heading-color” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-heading-color%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Glossary of menopausal terms” open_toggle_text_color=”#232459″ closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_color=”#EF3E6C” toggle_icon=”"||divi||400″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”27px” open_icon_color=”#037541″ open_toggle_icon=”!||divi||400″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”27px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#232459″ title_font_size=”20px” body_font_size=”19px” body_line_height=”1.3em” body_link_font_size=”20px” border_width_all=”0px” border_width_bottom=”2px” border_color_bottom=”#EF3E6C” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Premenopause<\/strong><\/p>\n Premenopause is when you have no symptoms of perimenopause or menopause. You Perimenopause<\/strong><\/p>\n Perimenopause is the period leading up to menopause, when most symptoms are Menopause<\/strong><\/p>\n Menopause is when you stop having periods (usually between 45 and 55 years old). Postmenopause<\/strong><\/p>\n Postmenopause is the time after periods have stopped. Symptoms of menopause may Natural Menopause<\/strong><\/p>\n This is the biological stage in life that occurs when hormones change and Surgical Menopause<\/strong><\/p>\n Occurs after an operation to remove an individual\u2019s ovaries, either on its own or at the Induced Menopause (or Chemical Menopause)<\/strong><\/p>\n An injection or nasal spray is used to suppress hormones to make periods stop.<\/p>\n Early or Premature Menopause<\/strong><\/p>\n Also known as Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI). This is when menopause [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Common menopause symptoms” open_toggle_text_color=”#232459″ closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_color=”#EF3E6C” toggle_icon=”"||divi||400″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”27px” open_icon_color=”#037541″ open_toggle_icon=”!||divi||400″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”27px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#232459″ title_font_size=”20px” body_font_size=”19px” body_line_height=”1.3em” body_link_font_size=”20px” border_width_all=”0px” border_width_bottom=”2px” border_color_bottom=”#EF3E6C” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n There are over 30 common symptoms of the menopause and are known to help to recognise if you are (peri)menopausal. You may not experience any of these symptoms or may experience only a few – you do not need to experience all the symptoms to be in menopause or perimenopause. You may also experience some of these symptoms for reasons other than the menopause.<\/p>\n You should always speak to your doctor if you have any concerns.<\/p>\n Common menopause symptoms:<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)” open_toggle_text_color=”#232459″ closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_color=”#EF3E6C” toggle_icon=”"||divi||400″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”27px” open_icon_color=”#037541″ open_toggle_icon=”!||divi||400″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”27px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#232459″ title_font_size=”20px” body_font_size=”19px” body_line_height=”1.3em” border_width_all=”0px” border_width_bottom=”2px” border_color_bottom=”#EF3E6C” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n What is HRT?<\/strong><\/p>\n For people who seek help for their menopausal symptoms HRT is the most commonly There are two main hormones used in HRT:<\/strong><\/p>\n HRT is taking both of these hormones (combined HRT) or oestrogen-only HRT, though Ways of taking HRT include:<\/strong><\/p>\n Starting on HRT and treatment routines<\/strong><\/p>\n If you decide you would like to consider taking HRT you should discuss your options The routine will depend on whether you\u2019re in the early stages of menopause or have had [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Managing brain fog” open_toggle_text_color=”#232459″ closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_color=”#EF3E6C” toggle_icon=”"||divi||400″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”27px” open_icon_color=”#037541″ open_toggle_icon=”!||divi||400″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”27px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#232459″ title_font_size=”20px” body_font_size=”19px” body_line_height=”1.3em” border_width_all=”0px” border_width_bottom=”2px” border_color_bottom=”#EF3E6C” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n What is Brain Fog?<\/strong><\/p>\n The Fawcett Society reported that 73% of women experience brain fog during the<\/a> These can be as simple as forgetting what comes next in a sentence, where you As with many other symptoms, brain fog in menopause can be due to changes in Healthy Diet<\/strong><\/p>\n Following a healthy diet and reducing alcohol and caffeine intake can help with a Exercise<\/strong><\/p>\n The most important thing when it comes to exercise is to do something which you Sleep<\/strong><\/p>\n Sleep can often be disturbed in (peri)menopause but is crucial for good brain Symptom Diary<\/strong><\/p>\n Writing lists or keeping a diary can help. Some people like to have a notebook next Take Your Time<\/strong><\/p>\n There can be pressure to do things quickly and to multi-task. Taking your time and As with any symptoms, please do consult a Healthcare Professional if you have [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Recommended books” open_toggle_text_color=”#232459″ closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_color=”#EF3E6C” toggle_icon=”"||divi||400″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”27px” open_icon_color=”#037541″ open_toggle_icon=”!||divi||400″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”27px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#232459″ title_font_size=”20px” body_font_size=”19px” body_line_height=”1.3em” border_width_all=”0px” border_width_bottom=”2px” border_color_bottom=”#EF3E6C” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Browse our selection of non-fiction books to help you understand the perimenopause and menopause, and manage your symptoms. All these books and more are free to borrow with your library card.<\/p>\n Borrow a menopause book \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Helpful links” open_toggle_text_color=”#232459″ closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_color=”#EF3E6C” toggle_icon=”"||divi||400″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”27px” open_icon_color=”#037541″ open_toggle_icon=”!||divi||400″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”27px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#232459″ title_font_size=”20px” body_font_size=”19px” body_line_height=”1.3em” border_width_all=”0px” border_width_bottom=”2px” border_color_bottom=”#EF3E6C” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||30px||false|false” border_color_all=”gcid-heading-color” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-heading-color%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#232459″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Our libraries are safe spaces for you to chat with others and share experiences. Find peer support and read our tips on managing the menopause.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"parent":37915,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-37208","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nSupport for those with lived experience<\/h2>\n
Tips and resources on managing your menopause<\/h3>\n
still have periods \u2014 whether they\u2019re regular or irregular \u2014 and are considered to be in
your reproductive years. Some hormonal changes may be occurring, but there are no
noticeable changes in your body.<\/p>\n
experienced. Oestrogen and progesterone levels are gradually declining, but periods
continue, although they may come irregularly. Periods may also change to a very
heavy period or an unusually light period, and this change lasts until the complete
cessation of periods. Pregnancy is still possible during perimenopause.<\/p>\n
This happens when your ovaries stop producing oestrogen and no longer release eggs.
Menopause signifies the end of a woman\u2019s reproductive years and is generally
considered complete after a woman hasn\u2019t had a period for 12 consecutive months.
Once a woman reaches menopause, her ovaries have stopped releasing eggs and
produce a minimal amount of oestrogen.<\/p>\n
have eased or stopped entirely, but some women continue to have symptoms for
longer. There can be an increased risk of some health conditions, such as
cardiovascular (heart) disease, osteoporosis (weak bones) and urinary tract infections
(UTIs).<\/p>\n
menstruation stops.<\/p>\n
same time as a hysterectomy. As the ovaries are the body\u2019s main source of oestrogen
production, this could immediately trigger menopause, regardless of age. A
hysterectomy, without the removal of ovaries, may lead to earlier menopause than if a
hysterectomy had not been carried out.<\/p>\n
symptoms start before 45 years of age. This impacts 1% of women under 40 and 0.1%
of women under 30.<\/p>\n\n
prescribed treatment. You should discuss the benefits, side effects and risks of taking
different HRT types with your GP, who knows your individual clinical picture.<\/p>\n\n
Types of replacement oestrogen prescribed by doctors include estradiol, estrone and
estriol.<\/li>\n
this is only normally prescribed if you have had a hysterectomy (operation to remove
your womb).<\/p>\n\n
with your GP. If you are given HRT your doses may need tweaking and changing by your
doctor. It can take three months before you will start noticing a difference in your
symptoms.<\/p>\n
menopausal symptoms for some time.<\/p>\n
(peri)menopause<\/a>. Brain fog describes a range of experiences related to cognitive
(brain) function. This includes problems with decision making, concentration and
memory.<\/p>\n
have put something or feeling as if your head is full of cotton wool. It can also be
quite scary as, for some, there is the concern that it is the first sign of
dementia. However, unlike dementia, brain fog can improve over time and with
support.<\/p>\n
hormone levels, particularly Oestrogen which is important for our brain health. It
can also be made worse by other menopause symptoms such as lack of sleep \u2013 the
so called \u201cdomino effect\u201d. Brain fog can cause issues in the workplace impacting
on confidence and concentration levels, as well as at home.<\/p>\n
range of menopause symptoms including brain fog.<\/p>\n
enjoy. However, it is counterproductive to exercise in the hour before sleep as this
will keep the brain alert.<\/p>\n
function. Following good sleep hygiene can help to improve the quality of your
sleep. Minimising screen time before bed, having a regular bedtime, keeping your
room cool and dark can all aid you getting a restful and restorative night<\/p>\n
to the bed for those moments when you wake up in the night. Journaling is also a
good way to keep track of your symptoms and what helps<\/p>\n
focusing on one thing at a time can help.<\/p>\n
any serious concerns<\/p>\n\n