CONDITIONS
Menopause, incl. hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Menopause and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Navigating the Change with Confidence
Menopause marks a natural transition in a woman’s life — but that doesn’t mean it’s always an easy one. For many women, the physical and emotional changes that come with fluctuating hormones can feel overwhelming, isolating, and sometimes, invisible to others.
At Happiher, we believe menopause care should be supportive, personalised, and empowering. As a private gynaecologist in London, I help women navigate the menopause journey — whether they’re exploring lifestyle changes, symptom relief, or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) — with clarity and compassion.
What Is Menopause?
Menopause is officially diagnosed in menopausal women when they have gone 12 consecutive months without a period, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. However, the journey to menopause — called perimenopause — can begin years earlier, with hormonal shifts starting as early as your late 30s or early 40s.
Postmenopausal women are those who have gone through menopause and are in the stage following 12 consecutive months without a period.
Common Symptoms of Menopause
Symptoms vary for every woman, but common experiences include:
Hot flushes and night sweats
Sleep disturbances
Mood swings or low mood
Anxiety or irritability
Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
Vaginal dryness and discomfort during intimacy
Painful intercourse
Vaginal atrophy
Reduced libido
Joint aches and muscle stiffness
Fatigue and low energy
Changes in weight or body composition
Thinning hair or dry skin
Vaginal symptoms, such as dryness and discomfort, are common during menopause and can be effectively managed with appropriate treatments.
Estrogen therapy can restore vaginal cells, pH levels, and blood flow to the vagina, helping to reduce vaginal atrophy.
While menopause is natural, suffering through severe physical symptoms is not inevitable. There are effective options available to help you feel like yourself again.
What Causes These Symptoms?
As the ovaries naturally slow down, they produce less oestrogen and progesterone — hormones that influence everything from mood regulation to bone health. This hormonal fluctuation (and eventual decline) is responsible for the wide range of menopause symptoms women experience, which can be managed through various hormone therapies. Additionally, the decline in estrogen levels can also impact cardiovascular health, increasing the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular issues.
Estrogen only therapy is often prescribed for women who have undergone a hysterectomy, as it can effectively alleviate menopause symptoms without the need for additional hormones.
When Does Menopause Begin?
Perimenopause: The transitional phase where hormone levels start to fluctuate, often beginning in the early 40s
Menopause: Diagnosed after 12 months without a period
Postmenopause: The stage following menopause, when symptoms may continue but the hormonal shifts have stabilised. Some women may continue to experience persistent symptoms even after the hormonal shifts have stabilised.
Some women experience early menopause (before age 45) or premature menopause (before age 40), often requiring specialized support and fertility advice.
Menopausal hormone therapy can be tailored to address the specific needs of women at different stages of menopause.
How Is Menopause Diagnosed?
For women over 45 with typical symptoms, menopause is usually a clinical diagnosis based on history.
In some cases, especially if you’re under 45, we may recommend:
Blood tests to check levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and oestradiol
Thyroid function tests to rule out other causes of symptoms
Bone density scans (DEXA scans) if there is concern about osteoporosis risk
Unexplained vaginal bleeding is a significant factor that requires careful evaluation when diagnosing menopause.
At Happiher, diagnosis is holistic — taking into account not just your hormones, but your entire health and wellbeing.
Randomized controlled trials have provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of various diagnostic methods for menopause.
What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) involves supplementing the body’s natural hormones (oestrogen, progesterone, and sometimes testosterone) to relieve menopausal symptoms and protect long-term health. Menopausal hormone therapy significantly reduces the occurrence of hot flashes in treated women compared to placebo. Conjugated equine estrogen (CEE) is a commonly used form of estrogen in HRT, particularly effective for managing vasomotor symptoms.
There are different types of HRT:
Oestrogen-only HRT (for women who have had a hysterectomy)
Combined HRT (oestrogen + progesterone for women with a uterus)
Continuous combined HRT involves daily administration of estrogen and progestogens without interruption, simplifying treatment management.
Body-identical HRT (bioidentical hormones that match natural hormones more closely)
Testosterone supplementation can also be considered for addressing specific symptoms such as reduced libido.
Compounded hormones are custom-made alternatives to conventional HRT, though their safety and efficacy are not as well established. Bioidentical hormones are claimed to mimic natural hormones, but there is limited evidence of their safety and efficacy compared to conventional HRT.
HRT is available in many forms, including:
Tablets
Skin patches
Gels or sprays
Vaginal rings, creams, or pessaries
Studies have shown that HRT can reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer in women.
Choosing the right type, dose, and method, including systemic therapy, depends on your symptoms, health history, and personal preferences.
Types of HRT
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is available in various forms, including oral, transdermal, and vaginal therapies, each tailored to address specific menopausal symptoms. The most common types of HRT include estrogen-only therapy, combined estrogen and progesterone therapy, and bioidentical hormone therapy.
Estrogen-only therapy is typically prescribed for women who have had a hysterectomy. This form of therapy effectively alleviates symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings without the need for additional hormones.
Combined estrogen and progesterone therapy is used for women with an intact uterus to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer. This combination helps manage systemic menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats while protecting the uterine lining.
Bioidentical hormone therapy uses hormones that are chemically identical to those produced by the body. This option is available in various forms, including oral, transdermal, and vaginal therapies, and is chosen by some women for its natural approach.
Systemic HRT, which can be taken orally or through the skin (transdermally), is designed to treat widespread menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. On the other hand, vaginal HRT is specifically used to treat localised symptoms like vaginal dryness and painful intercourse.
Choosing the right type of HRT depends on your symptoms, health history, and personal preferences. Consulting with a healthcare provider can help determine the most appropriate and effective treatment for your individual needs.
Bioidentical Hormones
Bioidentical hormones are hormones that are chemically identical to those produced by the body, often used in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to treat menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. These hormones can be administered in various forms, including oral, transdermal, and vaginal therapies.
Regulated bioidentical hormones, approved by the FDA, are available in standardized doses and forms, including estrogen and progesterone. These regulated options ensure consistency and safety in treatment.
Compounded bioidentical hormones are custom-made by pharmacists to meet individual needs. While they offer personalised dosing, their safety and efficacy are not as well established as regulated bioidentical hormones.
Women considering bioidentical hormone therapy should consult with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment for their individual needs. This personalised approach ensures that the therapy is both safe and effective, tailored to alleviate specific menopausal symptoms.
Benefits of HRT
HRT can provide significant benefits, including:
Relief from hot flushes and night sweats
Improved sleep quality
Better mood regulation and reduced anxiety
Increased bone strength (reducing osteoporosis and bone loss risk)
Protection against cardiovascular disease if started early in menopause
Improved vaginal health and sexual function
Enhanced quality of life
Estrogen replacement can significantly improve quality of life by alleviating various menopausal symptoms and protecting long-term health.
Long-term use of HRT is associated with a decreased risk of osteoporosis and hip fractures.
For many women, HRT can be life-changing, helping to relieve symptoms and feel like themselves again.
Are There Risks with HRT? Understanding Breast Cancer Risk
As with any medical treatment, there are potential health risks, including a slightly increased risk of breast cancer, blood clots, stroke, and breast tenderness headaches depending on the type and duration of HRT. Using HRT for more than five years may increase breast cancer risk, but this risk decreases after discontinuation. HRT presents a small increased risk of developing breast cancer, particularly with long-term usage. Combined estrogen and progestin therapy has been linked to an increased risk of invasive breast cancer. HRT may also be associated with a slightly increased risk of ovarian cancer, though this risk decreases with the use of progestogen.
At Happiher, we take a personalised, evidence-based approach:
Carefully assessing your individual risk profile
Using the lowest effective dose for the shortest appropriate time
Offering ongoing reviews to adjust treatment if needed
For most healthy women starting HRT under age 60, the benefits far outweigh the risks. However, there is conflicting evidence regarding the cardiovascular benefits of HRT, especially related to risk when started after age 60.
Menopause and Heart Health
Menopause brings with it an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including coronary heart disease and stroke. This heightened risk is largely due to the decline in estrogen levels, which can lead to changes in blood vessels and an increase in blood pressure. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been shown to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in some women, particularly those who begin HRT early in the menopausal transition. However, it’s important to note that certain types of HRT, such as oral estrogen, may increase the risk of blood clots and stroke. Oral estrogen formulations have a higher likelihood of increasing blood clot formation compared to transdermal methods, which bypass the liver and have a lower risk profile. For women at risk for cardiovascular disease, transdermal therapy, such as transdermal estradiol, may offer a safer alternative. Consulting with a healthcare provider can help determine the most appropriate and effective treatment options. The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study suggests HRT may reduce risks of coronary disease and dementia if started early.
Menopause and Mental Health
The impact of menopause on mental health can be significant, with many women experiencing anxiety, depression, and mood swings. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be beneficial in alleviating these symptoms, especially for those with severe menopausal symptoms. Additionally, testosterone therapy can be beneficial for women experiencing hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) during menopause, enhancing sexual desire and overall satisfaction. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and other forms of talk therapy have proven effective in managing menopausal symptoms and improving mental health. Lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and effective stress management techniques, can also play a crucial role in reducing the risk of mental health issues during menopause. A holistic approach that includes both medical and lifestyle interventions can help women maintain their mental well-being during this transitional period.
Menopause and Bone Health
The decline in estrogen levels during menopause is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help mitigate this risk, particularly for women who start HRT early in the menopausal transition. Starting HRT with a low dose of estrogen can help manage bone health effectively while minimising potential risks. In addition to HRT, other strategies for maintaining bone health include taking calcium and vitamin D supplements, using bisphosphonates, and considering selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). Regular weight-bearing exercise is also essential for maintaining bone density and reducing the risk of fractures. Women should discuss their individual risk factors and treatment options with their healthcare provider to develop a personalised plan for managing bone health during menopause.
Nutrition and Menopause
A healthy diet can play a crucial role in alleviating menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Incorporating foods rich in essential nutrients can help manage these symptoms and promote overall health.
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods like salmon and flaxseeds, may help reduce inflammation and improve heart health. Calcium and vitamin D, present in dairy products and leafy greens, are vital for maintaining bone health and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
A diet low in saturated fats and high in fiber can help reduce the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. Foods such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are excellent choices for a heart-healthy diet.
Women experiencing menopausal symptoms should consult with their healthcare provider or a registered dietitian to determine the best dietary plan for their individual needs. A personalized approach to nutrition can help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being during menopause.
Physical Health and Menopause
Regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle are essential for alleviating menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Engaging in physical activities like brisk walking or swimming can help reduce stress, improve mood, and maintain a healthy weight.
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for reducing the risk of health problems such as heart disease and diabetes. Women should also be aware of potential health risks associated with menopause, including osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.
To reduce these risks, women should consider regular bone density tests, monitor their blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and take prescribed medications as needed. A proactive approach to physical health, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, can significantly improve quality of life during menopause.
Consulting with a healthcare provider can help women develop a personalised exercise and lifestyle plan tailored to their individual needs. By taking charge of their physical health, women can navigate menopause with greater ease and confidence.
Lifestyle and Non-Hormonal Support for Managing Menopausal Symptoms
Not every woman needs or wants HRT. Taking HRT is a personal decision that should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, considering individual symptoms and health history. Other options include:
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for hot flushes and mood
Non-hormonal medications for specific symptoms
Nutritional advice to support bone, heart, and brain health
Exercise programmes tailored for menopause
Supplements like vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium
Non-hormonal medications can be effective for managing other symptoms such as hot flushes and mood swings.
A holistic approach ensures that every aspect of your wellbeing is addressed, and treatments are administered at the lowest dose necessary for effectiveness.
Why Choose Happiher for Menopause Care?
If you’re seeking a private menopause specialist in London, Happiher offers:
Compassionate, thorough consultations
Tailored advice on HRT and non-hormonal options
Expertise in managing complex or early menopause cases
A holistic, lifestyle-focused approach
Care across Chelsea & Westminster, The Lister, and The Wellington Hospital
Our approach is guided by the latest recommendations from leading menopause societies.
You don’t have to navigate menopause alone. Expert, supportive care can make this transition a positive, empowering chapter in your life. We follow guidelines from the North American Menopause Society and the Women's Health Initiative to ensure the highest standard of care.
Final Thoughts
Menopause is a natural part of life — but you deserve to feel strong, supported, and vibrant during this time of change.
At Happiher, we’re here to guide you with personalised advice, the latest treatments, and genuine care for your long-term health and happiness.
Menopause and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Navigating the Change with Confidence
Menopause marks a natural transition in a woman’s life — but that doesn’t mean it’s always an easy one. For many women, the physical and emotional changes that come with fluctuating hormones can feel overwhelming, isolating, and sometimes, invisible to others.
At Happiher, we believe menopause care should be supportive, personalised, and empowering. As a private gynaecologist in London, I help women navigate the menopause journey — whether they’re exploring lifestyle changes, symptom relief, or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) — with clarity and compassion.
What Is Menopause?
Menopause is officially diagnosed in menopausal women when they have gone 12 consecutive months without a period, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. However, the journey to menopause — called perimenopause — can begin years earlier, with hormonal shifts starting as early as your late 30s or early 40s.
Postmenopausal women are those who have gone through menopause and are in the stage following 12 consecutive months without a period.
Common Symptoms of Menopause
Symptoms vary for every woman, but common experiences include:
Hot flushes and night sweats
Sleep disturbances
Mood swings or low mood
Anxiety or irritability
Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
Vaginal dryness and discomfort during intimacy
Painful intercourse
Vaginal atrophy
Reduced libido
Joint aches and muscle stiffness
Fatigue and low energy
Changes in weight or body composition
Thinning hair or dry skin
Vaginal symptoms, such as dryness and discomfort, are common during menopause and can be effectively managed with appropriate treatments.
Estrogen therapy can restore vaginal cells, pH levels, and blood flow to the vagina, helping to reduce vaginal atrophy.
While menopause is natural, suffering through severe physical symptoms is not inevitable. There are effective options available to help you feel like yourself again.
What Causes These Symptoms?
As the ovaries naturally slow down, they produce less oestrogen and progesterone — hormones that influence everything from mood regulation to bone health. This hormonal fluctuation (and eventual decline) is responsible for the wide range of menopause symptoms women experience, which can be managed through various hormone therapies. Additionally, the decline in estrogen levels can also impact cardiovascular health, increasing the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular issues.
Estrogen only therapy is often prescribed for women who have undergone a hysterectomy, as it can effectively alleviate menopause symptoms without the need for additional hormones.
When Does Menopause Begin?
Perimenopause: The transitional phase where hormone levels start to fluctuate, often beginning in the early 40s
Menopause: Diagnosed after 12 months without a period
Postmenopause: The stage following menopause, when symptoms may continue but the hormonal shifts have stabilised. Some women may continue to experience persistent symptoms even after the hormonal shifts have stabilised.
Some women experience early menopause (before age 45) or premature menopause (before age 40), often requiring specialized support and fertility advice.
Menopausal hormone therapy can be tailored to address the specific needs of women at different stages of menopause.
How Is Menopause Diagnosed?
For women over 45 with typical symptoms, menopause is usually a clinical diagnosis based on history.
In some cases, especially if you’re under 45, we may recommend:
Blood tests to check levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and oestradiol
Thyroid function tests to rule out other causes of symptoms
Bone density scans (DEXA scans) if there is concern about osteoporosis risk
Unexplained vaginal bleeding is a significant factor that requires careful evaluation when diagnosing menopause.
At Happiher, diagnosis is holistic — taking into account not just your hormones, but your entire health and wellbeing.
Randomized controlled trials have provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of various diagnostic methods for menopause.
What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) involves supplementing the body’s natural hormones (oestrogen, progesterone, and sometimes testosterone) to relieve menopausal symptoms and protect long-term health. Menopausal hormone therapy significantly reduces the occurrence of hot flashes in treated women compared to placebo. Conjugated equine estrogen (CEE) is a commonly used form of estrogen in HRT, particularly effective for managing vasomotor symptoms.
There are different types of HRT:
Oestrogen-only HRT (for women who have had a hysterectomy)
Combined HRT (oestrogen + progesterone for women with a uterus)
Continuous combined HRT involves daily administration of estrogen and progestogens without interruption, simplifying treatment management.
Body-identical HRT (bioidentical hormones that match natural hormones more closely)
Testosterone supplementation can also be considered for addressing specific symptoms such as reduced libido.
Compounded hormones are custom-made alternatives to conventional HRT, though their safety and efficacy are not as well established. Bioidentical hormones are claimed to mimic natural hormones, but there is limited evidence of their safety and efficacy compared to conventional HRT.
HRT is available in many forms, including:
Tablets
Skin patches
Gels or sprays
Vaginal rings, creams, or pessaries
Studies have shown that HRT can reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer in women.
Choosing the right type, dose, and method, including systemic therapy, depends on your symptoms, health history, and personal preferences.
Types of HRT
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is available in various forms, including oral, transdermal, and vaginal therapies, each tailored to address specific menopausal symptoms. The most common types of HRT include estrogen-only therapy, combined estrogen and progesterone therapy, and bioidentical hormone therapy.
Estrogen-only therapy is typically prescribed for women who have had a hysterectomy. This form of therapy effectively alleviates symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings without the need for additional hormones.
Combined estrogen and progesterone therapy is used for women with an intact uterus to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer. This combination helps manage systemic menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats while protecting the uterine lining.
Bioidentical hormone therapy uses hormones that are chemically identical to those produced by the body. This option is available in various forms, including oral, transdermal, and vaginal therapies, and is chosen by some women for its natural approach.
Systemic HRT, which can be taken orally or through the skin (transdermally), is designed to treat widespread menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. On the other hand, vaginal HRT is specifically used to treat localised symptoms like vaginal dryness and painful intercourse.
Choosing the right type of HRT depends on your symptoms, health history, and personal preferences. Consulting with a healthcare provider can help determine the most appropriate and effective treatment for your individual needs.
Bioidentical Hormones
Bioidentical hormones are hormones that are chemically identical to those produced by the body, often used in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to treat menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. These hormones can be administered in various forms, including oral, transdermal, and vaginal therapies.
Regulated bioidentical hormones, approved by the FDA, are available in standardized doses and forms, including estrogen and progesterone. These regulated options ensure consistency and safety in treatment.
Compounded bioidentical hormones are custom-made by pharmacists to meet individual needs. While they offer personalised dosing, their safety and efficacy are not as well established as regulated bioidentical hormones.
Women considering bioidentical hormone therapy should consult with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment for their individual needs. This personalised approach ensures that the therapy is both safe and effective, tailored to alleviate specific menopausal symptoms.
Benefits of HRT
HRT can provide significant benefits, including:
Relief from hot flushes and night sweats
Improved sleep quality
Better mood regulation and reduced anxiety
Increased bone strength (reducing osteoporosis and bone loss risk)
Protection against cardiovascular disease if started early in menopause
Improved vaginal health and sexual function
Enhanced quality of life
Estrogen replacement can significantly improve quality of life by alleviating various menopausal symptoms and protecting long-term health.
Long-term use of HRT is associated with a decreased risk of osteoporosis and hip fractures.
For many women, HRT can be life-changing, helping to relieve symptoms and feel like themselves again.
Are There Risks with HRT? Understanding Breast Cancer Risk
As with any medical treatment, there are potential health risks, including a slightly increased risk of breast cancer, blood clots, stroke, and breast tenderness headaches depending on the type and duration of HRT. Using HRT for more than five years may increase breast cancer risk, but this risk decreases after discontinuation. HRT presents a small increased risk of developing breast cancer, particularly with long-term usage. Combined estrogen and progestin therapy has been linked to an increased risk of invasive breast cancer. HRT may also be associated with a slightly increased risk of ovarian cancer, though this risk decreases with the use of progestogen.
At Happiher, we take a personalised, evidence-based approach:
Carefully assessing your individual risk profile
Using the lowest effective dose for the shortest appropriate time
Offering ongoing reviews to adjust treatment if needed
For most healthy women starting HRT under age 60, the benefits far outweigh the risks. However, there is conflicting evidence regarding the cardiovascular benefits of HRT, especially related to risk when started after age 60.
Menopause and Heart Health
Menopause brings with it an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including coronary heart disease and stroke. This heightened risk is largely due to the decline in estrogen levels, which can lead to changes in blood vessels and an increase in blood pressure. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been shown to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in some women, particularly those who begin HRT early in the menopausal transition. However, it’s important to note that certain types of HRT, such as oral estrogen, may increase the risk of blood clots and stroke. Oral estrogen formulations have a higher likelihood of increasing blood clot formation compared to transdermal methods, which bypass the liver and have a lower risk profile. For women at risk for cardiovascular disease, transdermal therapy, such as transdermal estradiol, may offer a safer alternative. Consulting with a healthcare provider can help determine the most appropriate and effective treatment options. The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study suggests HRT may reduce risks of coronary disease and dementia if started early.
Menopause and Mental Health
The impact of menopause on mental health can be significant, with many women experiencing anxiety, depression, and mood swings. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be beneficial in alleviating these symptoms, especially for those with severe menopausal symptoms. Additionally, testosterone therapy can be beneficial for women experiencing hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) during menopause, enhancing sexual desire and overall satisfaction. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and other forms of talk therapy have proven effective in managing menopausal symptoms and improving mental health. Lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and effective stress management techniques, can also play a crucial role in reducing the risk of mental health issues during menopause. A holistic approach that includes both medical and lifestyle interventions can help women maintain their mental well-being during this transitional period.
Menopause and Bone Health
The decline in estrogen levels during menopause is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help mitigate this risk, particularly for women who start HRT early in the menopausal transition. Starting HRT with a low dose of estrogen can help manage bone health effectively while minimising potential risks. In addition to HRT, other strategies for maintaining bone health include taking calcium and vitamin D supplements, using bisphosphonates, and considering selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). Regular weight-bearing exercise is also essential for maintaining bone density and reducing the risk of fractures. Women should discuss their individual risk factors and treatment options with their healthcare provider to develop a personalised plan for managing bone health during menopause.
Nutrition and Menopause
A healthy diet can play a crucial role in alleviating menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Incorporating foods rich in essential nutrients can help manage these symptoms and promote overall health.
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods like salmon and flaxseeds, may help reduce inflammation and improve heart health. Calcium and vitamin D, present in dairy products and leafy greens, are vital for maintaining bone health and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
A diet low in saturated fats and high in fiber can help reduce the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. Foods such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are excellent choices for a heart-healthy diet.
Women experiencing menopausal symptoms should consult with their healthcare provider or a registered dietitian to determine the best dietary plan for their individual needs. A personalized approach to nutrition can help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being during menopause.
Physical Health and Menopause
Regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle are essential for alleviating menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Engaging in physical activities like brisk walking or swimming can help reduce stress, improve mood, and maintain a healthy weight.
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for reducing the risk of health problems such as heart disease and diabetes. Women should also be aware of potential health risks associated with menopause, including osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.
To reduce these risks, women should consider regular bone density tests, monitor their blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and take prescribed medications as needed. A proactive approach to physical health, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, can significantly improve quality of life during menopause.
Consulting with a healthcare provider can help women develop a personalised exercise and lifestyle plan tailored to their individual needs. By taking charge of their physical health, women can navigate menopause with greater ease and confidence.
Lifestyle and Non-Hormonal Support for Managing Menopausal Symptoms
Not every woman needs or wants HRT. Taking HRT is a personal decision that should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, considering individual symptoms and health history. Other options include:
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for hot flushes and mood
Non-hormonal medications for specific symptoms
Nutritional advice to support bone, heart, and brain health
Exercise programmes tailored for menopause
Supplements like vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium
Non-hormonal medications can be effective for managing other symptoms such as hot flushes and mood swings.
A holistic approach ensures that every aspect of your wellbeing is addressed, and treatments are administered at the lowest dose necessary for effectiveness.
Why Choose Happiher for Menopause Care?
If you’re seeking a private menopause specialist in London, Happiher offers:
Compassionate, thorough consultations
Tailored advice on HRT and non-hormonal options
Expertise in managing complex or early menopause cases
A holistic, lifestyle-focused approach
Care across Chelsea & Westminster, The Lister, and The Wellington Hospital
Our approach is guided by the latest recommendations from leading menopause societies.
You don’t have to navigate menopause alone. Expert, supportive care can make this transition a positive, empowering chapter in your life. We follow guidelines from the North American Menopause Society and the Women's Health Initiative to ensure the highest standard of care.
Final Thoughts
Menopause is a natural part of life — but you deserve to feel strong, supported, and vibrant during this time of change.
At Happiher, we’re here to guide you with personalised advice, the latest treatments, and genuine care for your long-term health and happiness.
Book your appointment today
Book your appointment today
Book your appointment today