MENOPAUSE

Pelvic floor dysfunction affects millions of women, yet symptoms like leakage, prolapse and pain are often dismissed as normal. In this episode of The Women’s Handbook Podcast, specialist women’s health physiotherapists Monica Donaldson and Tamara Gerdis unpack what the pelvic floor really is, how dysfunction presents across the life course, and why evidence-based, individualised assessment is essential for effective, non-surgical care and lasting pelvic health.

Pelvic organ prolapse is common, under-discussed, and often misunderstood, leaving many women anxious and unsure what it means for their bodies. In this blog, Dr Natalie Hutchins explains what prolapse is, why it develops, and why symptoms don’t always match severity. Covering childbirth, menopause, and evidence-based management, it explores what actually helps—from pelvic health physiotherapy and pessaries to realistic expectations around surgery—so women can seek timely, in

Hormone therapy has become one of the most debated issues in women’s midlife health. Once feared and now sometimes overstated as essential for all, the truth lies in the middle. HRT can be transformative for symptoms like hot flushes, sleep disruption, and vaginal discomfort, while also supporting bone health. But it isn’t a universal solution, and many claimed long-term benefits remain unproven.

If you’ve ever felt sudden irritability, low tolerance, or flashes of anger during perimenopause or menopause, you’re not imagining it there’s a physiological reason behind what many women describe as “meno-rage.” Read about it here.

Menopause marks a profound transition in a woman's life, filled with physical, emotional, and psychological changes. While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a well-known option for managing menopausal symptoms, not every woman wants, or is able to take hormones. This is where lifestyle approaches like menopause yoga come into play, offering gentle but effective support during this transformative period.

Most of us already know that exercise is “good for us.” But when life feels packed and energy runs low, it can be hard to know what kind of workout really makes a difference. Do you need to push yourself through intense routines to live longer, or does walking count? What about strength training? And how much is enough? These aren’t just questions about fitness; they’re about long-term health, independence, and quality of life.

If your partner is going through menopause, you may feel unsure how best to help. One day she’s hot and restless, the next she’s exhausted from lack of sleep, and sometimes her moods shift in a second. It can be confusing and overwhelming (for both of you). This article brings together the latest science on menopause and relationships, to help you understand exactly what’s happening and how your support can make a real difference.

When we think about living a long and healthy life, we tend to focus on things like food, sleep, and exercise. But the science is clear: our relationships matter just as much. Social connection isn’t just “nice to have”; it’s a biological necessity, hardwired into our nervous systems. Growing research shows that friendships, community, and emotional closeness have a profound impact on our health and life, for women in particular.

Understand the facts about HRT. Explore the safety of regulated bioidentical oestrogen vs compounded hormones and what this means for you.

BOOK IN REVIEW: The Menopause Manifesto by Dr Jen Gunter Read The Menopause Manifesto by Dr Jen Gunter Having been brushed aside as a...