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Around 15.5 million women in the UK are currently experiencing perimenopause, which is the period before a woman reaches menopause, or the menopause itself. Despite this significant number, 42% remain unaware of the impact that both perimenopause and menopause can have on the body and mind.
Additionally, 27% of women undergoing this life transition still lack knowledge about its emotional or mental effects. These insights are from a study by M-Club, a new line of menopause health products developed by The Body Doctor, which includes an online community. The initiative has partnered with popular TV doctor Dr. Hilary Jones, who is serving as an independent advisor.
Dr. Jones remarked: “M-Club is timely—93% of women experiencing perimenopause or menopause believe society should discuss this stage of life more, and 94% would purchase menopause-labelled products. It’s unfortunate that 45% of women feel ‘invisible’, ‘lonely’, ‘dispensable’, or irrelevant during menopause. The M-Club community offers a wealth of information, so women no longer need to seek advice from multiple sources.”
The data is sourced from the Gen-M UK Visibility Report 2024, which surveyed 2,010 UK women aged 35 to 60, along with similar reports going back to 2020.
Menopause explained with ’48 symptoms’
GP Dr. Gill Jenkins explained: “Menopause happens as oestrogen levels drop and the menstrual cycle ends. Testosterone levels also reduce. This significant hormonal change can lead to various physical and emotional symptoms.”
There are 48 menopause symptoms, ranging from commonly known ones like anxiety, hot flushes, and mood swings, to less familiar signs such as dry eyes, changes in taste and smell, muscle tension, and even itchy skin. These symptoms can last for months or even years.
The report revealed that 81% of perimenopausal women reported difficulty sleeping, 75% experienced memory and/or concentration problems, and 69% cited anxiety or depression as a symptom.
Dr Jones said: “Despite the perimenopause and menopause being such a significant part of a woman’s life, it’s concerning that 46% of women actually haven’t heard of the term perimenopause. This could indicate that while women might be experiencing symptoms, they aren’t sure why or what’s causing them, plus it only brings light to the fact that there isn’t much awareness or education around menopause.”
He added: “Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is an option for menopausal women but less than half of women in perimenopause take HRT or intend to do so. Instead, they are seeking alternative support and natural solutions. The M-Club product range and community platform are helping women to continue living life as normal.”
Physiological changes
Dr Jones explained: “A change in body temperature regulation can lead to hot flushes and night sweats. The reproductive system also undergoes significant shifts, including thinning of the vaginal walls, reduced lubrication and a decrease in fertility. Periods become irregular, until they eventually stop. Plus, hormonal changes that occur also mean bone density tends to decline, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.”
Even dry eye disease can be an issue during the menopause. Optician, clinician and a dry eye disease specialist Rosemin Mussa, from M-Club and The Body Doctor, said: “Oestrogen helps support healthy tear fluid production and a healthy tear film so as levels decline, the glands producing and secreting the tear fluid may function less effectively leading to faster tear fluid evaporation and dry, irritated and gritty eyes. Dry, irritated and gritty, eyes can be very uncomfortable.”
Emotional changes
Mental clarity and emotional challenges can also make things difficult for women going through menopause.
Dr Jones added: “Fluctuating hormone levels, particularly the decline in oestrogen, can lead to symptoms such as brain fog, forgetfulness, irritability and even difficulty concentrating, which can make a woman feel unproductive and anxious. Plus, daily tasks or professional responsibilities can be impacted.”
