Any tips?

Remember that it's a natural process, just like puberty. Most women (two thirds I believe) cope with it without medical intervention. I really wouldn't worry about it unless or until you have any problems.

I had hot flushes, but that’s all, and I found if I just stayed calm they would go after a couple of minutes. Hetty is right- it’s a natural process, and you may not have any bad symptoms. The upside is not having periods, period pain, heaviness, headaches, mood swings...

Hello,
I found I developed a liking for soya milk. Recently I discovered it has something in it a bit like oestrogen!
I had almost no symptoms and have had none since.
Fingers crossed!

Everybody's menopause seems to be different. I do hope you get through it easily.

I found a daily mega dose of evening primrose oil helped. Most importantly, wear layers so you can easily take your jacket/ cardigan off if you have a hot flush.

Can any one recommend a menopause specialist in the London area that don't cost a fortune? I am looking to start HRT.

@Eena Menopause clinics which your GP can refer you to are under the NHS. I'm not in London but my clinic is wonderful. You may have to wait for a referral if outpatients clinics are temporarily closed.

Your GP can prescribe HRT.
Do not accept pills as they have to be extremely strong to survive the first pass through the liver, ask for a transdermal method such as patches, gel, or implant.
Read up on the NICE guidelines on the menopause so you are fully informed and be prepared to find you know more than your GP on government recommended best practice.

@learntogether I suggest you also read the NHS best practice for doctors.
Just google "NICE guidelines on the menopause".
If every one of us went on HRT when the time came the NHS would save a fortune. The long term effects of the menopause are rarely mentioned. It is another taboo subject but by going on HRT you will protect yourself from osteoporosis (broken hips etc.) vaginal atrophy, prolapse, hot flushes, mental health problems etc. Latest research even shows a protective effect against Alzheimer's.
We now live much longer so quality of life in later years is very important.

People have very different experiences of this time of transition in their lives. I went through a period of great sadness that my fertile years were coming to an end, even though my family was complete many years before. But in the end I realised that it's all about the way you look at it and acceptance came in its own time.
One positive that I hadn't expected was a great sense of calm: once free of the ups and downs of the menstrual cycle and the great turbulence of sex hormones, it was lovely to experience a calm sea at last. I didn't see the need for HRT as my symptoms were perfectly manageable.

HRT