Menopause Hub

Whether you're navigating symptoms, looking for lifestyle tips, or just want to feel more in control, we're here to support you every step of the way.

How to know if you're entering Menopause

Have you had a period in the last 12 months?

Do you struggle with irregular periods, hot flashes, or mood changes?

Are you experiencing significant changes in your cycle or symptoms?

Stages of Menopause

Menopause is complex and it affects every women differently. While there are more than 20 common signs of menopause, there are over 100 official signs associated with perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause.

Many women believe the menopause is something that affects them in the mid-late 40s, but hormonal changes marking the beginning of the menopause can start years before. In fact, it is not uncommon for these changes to start in your late 30s or a decade before your actual menopause.

Perimenopause

A transitional period that usually begins 4-10 years before menopause.

Common signs of perimenopause

Menopause

Menopause lasts for one day - the day you have been 12 consecutive months without a period.

Understanding menopause

Postmenopause

Postmenopause is the next day after menopause and beyond.

Postmenopause explained

Surgical-induced menopause

Surgical-induced menopause, also known as medically induced menopause, occurs when a woman's ovaries are surgically removed or when their function is intentionally halted.

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Signs of Perimenopause and Menopause

While some women will sail through menopause with no signs at all. The majority of women will experience a variety of signs, and the impact of these on physical and mental health can be devastating on lives, relationships and jobs.

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Period Changes

A more obvious symptom that may alert you to hormonal changes is an alteration in your menstrual cycle. Periods can become heavier or lighter, or they can become more or less frequent as a result of changes and fluctuations in hormones, and eventually menstruation will stop.

Brain Fog

Difficulty concentrating and memory lapses are common as hormone levels fluctuate.

Hot Flushes

Sudden waves of heat, often with flushing and sweating, day or night.

Poor Sleep

Night sweats and hormonal changes can disrupt how well and how long you sleep.

Weight Gain

Changing hormones can shift how your body stores fat, especially around the middle.

Mood Swings

Irritability, low mood and anxiety can come and go as hormones fluctuate.

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The evidence behind DRV+

Women's HealthGut Health

How menopause reshapes gut health

Our survey of 1,526 women shows that gut health deteriorates for most women during menopause - usually beginning in perimenopause.

1,526 respondents

January 2024

Cross-sectional customer survey

67% report worse gut health

73% experience bloating

79% feel a psychosocial impact

Study Findings

We surveyed 1,526 women across the menopausal transition on gut symptoms, their timing, frequency and downstream impact.

What we found:

66.8% reported noticeably worse gut health since menopausal symptoms began - typically starting in peri-menopause (58%). Bloating led (73%), experienced daily or near-daily by 77% of those affected. 79% reported a psychosocial consequence. Among gut-targeted supplements assessed, Gut Works® rated strongest (78.4% positive).

What This Means

It starts earlier than expected

58% first noticed gut changes in peri-menopause.

Often before menopause is formally established.

Persistent, not occasional

77% of bloating sufferers experience it daily or near-daily.

With a mean of 3.4 gut symptoms per woman affected.

Diet alone isn't enough

Only 11% found dietary change 'very effective'; Gut Works® led supplements at 78.4%.

Targeted support outperformed diet for most women

Read the abstract

Women's Health

Menopause support that grows with you

MenoFriend® is a natural, non-hormonal supplement formulated to support women through the menopausal transition - with effectiveness that increases the longer it's taken.

978 respondents

January 2024

Cross-sectional customer survey

89% effective for established users

83% effective overall

56% very effective at 2+ years

Study Findings

We analysed individual responses from 978 women using MenoFriend®, comparing effectiveness across how long they had been taking it.

The results?

82.6% rated MenoFriend® effective overall, rising to 88.7% among established users of two months or more. Effectiveness climbed steadily with duration. Due to UK regulations relating to menopause, menopause symptom-level results of this study are available to consumers only via a healthcare professional at DRV+ (Formerly DR.VEGAN®) Professionals.

What This Means

88.7% of established users found it effective.

Steady, non-hormonal support through the transition.

It builds with duration

Very-effective ratings rose from 15% to 56% over two years of use.

The longer you take MenoFriend®, the more women feel its benefit - give it at least three months.

Why patience pays

Only 9% of established users reported no improvement, versus 13% across all users.

Short-term users are far more likely to under-rate it simply because they haven't taken it long enough.

Read The Abstract

How food impacts the Menopause

Our diet is the foundation of our health and wellbeing and it is even more important when going through menopause. What we eat and avoid can have a significant impact on menopause signs. In a menopause survey of 1,526 women, 82% had made changes to their diet to help with symptoms of menopause, and 66% found these changes effective.* Discover the best foods to reach for and avoid during menopause to manage signs.

Foods to reach for

Foods to avoid

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Starting the conversation about menopause

Menopause affects every family in the world, and it can no longer be a taboo subject. While not everyone is comfortable talking about personal experiences of menopause, it is important for women to know they can talk about it without being judged or shamed and ultimately be given the opportunity to speak. Hear seven women #BreakTheTaboo on menopause in our 'Menopause Roundtable'. The conversation includes their menopause signs and the impact it has on their daily lives at home and work.

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Sarah's journey

Sarah Parish discusses the impact of menopause

Claire's journey

Claire's journey: Navigating horrific menopause symptoms

Alison's journey

Alison's journey: Practicing self-care during the menopause

Sue's journey

A positive view of menopause

Janine's journey

Janine's journey: Finding confidence during the menopause

Carole's journey

Carole's journey: From postnatal depression to menopause

Emma's journey

Emma Skeets on surgically-induced menopause

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Myths about the Menopause

Learn common myths surrounding menopause and how you can overcome symptoms so you can lead life to its fullest!

You cannot work during menopause

This is one of the biggest misconceptions about menopause. The majority of women successfully work through the menopause, either through changes in their diet and lifestyle, or with support from a menopause supplement, HRT or a combination of all these changes.

All women have hot flushes

Not true. Not all women have hot flushes, and not all women experience symptoms of menopause. Some women will experience mild symptoms only. The drop in female sex hormones interferes with the function of the adrenal glands, and this combination of low oestrogen, progesterone and disrupted adrenal glands triggers hot flushes. There is some research that suggests that consuming isoflavones during menopause can reduce the incidence of hot flushes.

All doctors are experts in menopause medicine

Unfortunately this is far from the case. Only 40% of medical schools in the UK have menopause in the curriculum. This is because it is a natural occurrence and not a disease (even though it can feel like one), and therefore is not prioritised in the medical curriculum. There are however some specialist practitioners such as endocrinologists who can be very helpful, so don’t rule out everyone in the medical profession. Many women also find great help from alternative and complementary therapists such as Nutritional Therapists, Herbalists and Acupuncturists. Again, remember that menopause in the medical profession is a specialism so look for someone who specialises in hormone health and menopause.

You know when menopause is happening

Many women do not realise that the menopause is setting in until much later during menopause, often because the symptoms may be confused for something else. The menopause does not always set in during the late 40s to 50s - some women can go through early menopause after just one period. There are several conditions that can lead to early menopause, so it is always best to get consult your GP or a specialist if you are unsure. Your GP can check your hormone levels in your blood and tell you if you are approaching the menopause or going through it.

You will have mood swings

It's not easy mentally to be approaching or going through the menopause. In addition, hormones can play havoc with moods and the changes that are occurring can themselves cause more stress and confusion, especially if it is unexpected. You may enjoy '5 foods to improve your mood'. However some women sail through the menopause mentally and physically, and although it is not just a state of mind (think about how hormones cause PMS!), there are things you can do to help you transition through menopause and alleviate mood swings. Menopause supplements can be of real benefit, so too can HRT, but there are other options including counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for menopause, meditation and yoga.

Sex is difficult during menopause

Although some women find sex a little more difficult during the menopause, many women find that the increase in testosterone levels can actually increase libido. If you are suffering from vaginal dryness there are some great natural lubricants on the market which can help. If vaginal atrophy (VA) or thinning is a problem, consider taking Vitamin D supplements as these have been shown in research to help reduce dryness of the vaginal atrophy due to menopause. Try to maintain an active sex life because regular sex can help to alleviate these symptoms or at least keep them at bay.

Exercise won't be as easy as before

Exercise is really important before and after menopause. However you may need to make a few changes to your routine because 'menopause fatigue' is a real thing. Exercise, especially weight-bearing exercise, is essential though the menopause. Due to the decline in oestrogen, the bones start to lose Calcium, and you can slow down the rate of loss in Calcium through exercise, so ensure you build exercise into your weekly routine.

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Resources

We are passionate about supporting women to thrive through life, including menopause. Our expert team provide resources on what happens before, during and after menopause to support women through all stages of menopause.

Women's Health

PMS or perimenopause: how to tell the difference

Early perimenopause and PMS can look remarkably similar, learn about the overlap and why it happens.

Women's Health

Top tips for thriving through perimenopause

The Menopause Mentor shares her top tips to help you thrive through perimenopause.

Women's Health

How to talk to your doctor about menopause

Dr. Katie Hodgkinson provides tips for a productive GP appointment.

Women's Health

Understanding perimenopause periods

We discuss what to expect as your periods change during perimenopause and answer 6 common questions.

Nutrition

Get menopause ready in your 30s

Being prepared for menopause can look after future you, hear more from our experts...

The link between diabetes & early menopause

The link between diabetes and early menopause is a complex and intriguing one.

Trending

How to know if you’re starting menopause

Not sure if you're starting menopause? This article is for you. We explain the signs and symptoms and how to support ...

Stress & Sleep

8 Unusual Signs of the Menopause

Cold sweats, burning tongue, altered spatial awareness, body odour, tinnitus, gum disease, even electric shocks - dis...

Women's Health

Hot flushes in summer: what actually helps

When the heat makes menopause unbearable.

Weight Management

Navigating weight gain during menopause

A holistic approach to weight gain during perimenopause and menopause.

Bones & Muscles

The importance of exercise for bone health in menopause

Learn how movement can transform your body and mind during menopause.

Women's Health

Why omega 3 is essential through menopause

Struggling with signs of menopause? Discover how Omega 3s can transform your hormonal balance, heart health, mood, jo...

Women's Health

Best changes in diet during menopause

The most effective changes you can make to your diet to relieve signs of menopause - as shown in a consumer survey.

Women's Health

Heart disease and menopause: What you need to know

Hormone health and menopause expert Dr. Katie Hodgkinson, explains the risks of heart disease for women after menopause.

Digestion

Acid reflux and menopause: What's the connection?

Dr. Katie Hodgkinson explains the connection between acid reflux and menopause.

Nutrition

5 Benefits of a plant-based diet during menopause

Why a plant-based diet can be hugely beneficial if you're going through menopause.

Women's Health

Does alcohol affect the menopause?

Read The Menopause Mentor's top tips for supporting your menopausal body during the festive period.

Weight Management

How to reduce belly fat during menopause

Personal trainer, nutritionist and menopause practitioner Emma Watts shares her tips.

Hair, Skin, Nails

Caring for your skin during menopause

Expert Ella Allred discusses how to care for skin during the menopause.

Does menopause cause gut issues?

Discover the most common changes in gut health during perimenopause and menopause.

Mental Health

8 Severe signs of menopause: what are the worst signs?

The most severe signs of menopause and the worst physical signs of menopause revealed.

Brain & Memory

How menopause affects ADHD

Oestrogen levels can impact and exacerbate ADHD symptoms. ADHD expert, Dr. Rachel Gow, explains how.

Women's Health

How menopause affects gut health

Dr Katherine Hodgkinson explains how the gut microbiome changes during menopause and how to nurture it.

Bones & Muscles

Why exercise helps through menopause

Kate Rowe-Ham explains why exercise is so important during menopause and the best exercises to do...

Bones & Muscles

Why is bone health so important in menopause?

Experts explain how oestrogen changes impact bone density and explore the best nutrients to support bone health.

Why can women gain weight during menopause?

Unexplained weight gain in menopause? Let our nutritionists explain...

Mental Health

Mental health effects of menopause

We surveyed 1000+ women to understand the effects of menopause at home and in the workplace.

Hair, Skin, Nails

How menopause affects your skin and hair

How to overcome hair thinning and hair loss and enjoy healthier skin and hair during menopause.

7 myths about menopause

Watch out for these menopause myths. Our nutritionists bring clarity to the menopause.

Mental Health

Why menopause causes stress & mood swings

Learn how menopause can cause mood swings.

Brain & Memory

Nutrition for the menopause

Your diet really can help with signs of the menopause! Discover the best foods to reach for, those to avoid, and the...

Women's Health

Surgical-induced menopause: what you need to know

Learn what surgical-induced menopause entails and how to manage its effects.

Women's Health

Coming off HRT safely

Dr. Katie Hodgkinson explains what happens when you stop HRT and the side effects.

Women's Health

HRT side effects & how to deal with them

Dr. Katie Hodgkinson discusses common side effects of HRT, how long they last and how to manage them.

Women's Health

Free menopause tracker

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Menopause in the workplace

According to a report by the NHS Confederation, around 60, 000 women in the UK are unable to work because of the impact of menopause symptoms on their overall physical and mental health. It's important for all employees to feel safe, valued and respected. In some countries there is a stigma surrounding menopause; it is therefore even more important that companies are explicit about supporting employees and there is a clear and accessible pathway to seek help.

In our menopause research, only 10% believed that employers provide enough support for women going through menopause, and just 30% believed employers are understanding of how menopause affects them at work.*

Resources to help write a menopause policy:

Menopause in the workplace: How to support employees and write a menopause policy Menopause in the workplace: what are your employee rights?HR Manager's guide to writing a menopause policy Menopause initiatives to support women in the workplace NHS guide to menopause in the workplace

Gut Hub Hair Hub PMS Hub

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Menopause survey: Menopause survey: Based on a UK survey conducted by DRV+ of 1500 women, nationally representative, during February 2024. All customer survey findings reflect our own efforts and have not been influenced or verified by any external organisations or third-party entities.