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Irregular and heavy periods marked the start of the menopause for Brenda. Loss of libido and the inability to carry out the Orthodox Jewish cultural practice 'mikvah' have led to tensions in her relationship. She has taken HRT to regulate her periods.
Brenda is a part-time teacher. She is married with five children. She started the menopause at age 46. Ethnic background/nationality: White Orthodox Jewish.
Following heavy bleeding, Charlotte was referred to a gynaecologist and prescribed the drug Zoladex to induce the menopause. This led to severe hot flushes. Bleeding returned after treatment ended, however, and Charlotte is now considering a hysterectomy.
Charlotte is a university professor. She is married with two adult daughters. She started the menopause at age 47. Ethnic background/nationality: Welsh/Caribbean.
Loss of memory, inability to concentrate and anxiety had a detrimental impact on Joyce's quality of life and ability to function at work. HRT has made a significant difference. She is determined to set up support networks to help women in the workplace.
Joyce is a police officer. She is divorced with two teenage sons. She started the menopause at age 45. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.
Despite night sweats, weight gain and poor memory, Marcia has not found the menopause too problematic, managing her symptoms without HRT or alternative remedies. She believes lack of information leaves women feeling unsupported during the menopause.
Marcia is the CEO of a charity. She is divorced with two adult children. She started the menopause at age 45. Ethnic background/nationality: Afro-Caribbean.
Although Sandra's periods have been regular, she has experienced hot flushes during the day and uncomfortable night sweats. Rather than take HRT, she has pursued alternative approaches, including acupuncture and herbal remedies, with mixed results.
Sandra is a bookkeeper. She is widowed with an adult daughter. She started the menopause at age 45. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.
Characterised by erratic periods, hot flushes and feelings of depression, Rachel's menopause transition impacted on her ability to function effectively at work. Over-the-counter medication and sharing information with family and friends has helped.
Rachel is an unemployed accounts assistant. She is single with no children. She started the menopause at age 49. Ethnic background/nationality: British-Caribbean.
Despite experiencing side-effects with HRT, Carole feels it has helped her overcome anxiety and hot flushes. She believes quality of life is more important than potential risks. Still suffers anxiety and depression but draws support from an online forum.
Carole is a part-time administrator. She is married with no children. She started the menopause at age 48. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.
After trying a range of natural therapies to overcome chronic anxiety, Donna took antidepressants to restore balance in her life. She feels women may need to consider natural remedies alongside conventional treatments to enable them to function.
Donna is a psychotherapist. She is single with a young son. She started the menopause at age 46. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.
For Maggie, increasingly severe premenstrual tension (PMT) led to a missed period 18 months ago and the onset of hot flushes. Symptoms have now eased but she continues to suffer from insomnia. She feels a sense of loss at not having had children.
Maggie is a psychiatric nurse. She is single with no children. She started the menopause at age 47. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.
Erratic periods at age 51 marked the start of the menopause for Lorna. Prescribed HRT 6 months later for severe hot flushes and night sweats accompanied by mood swings. A strong advocate of its benefits, Lorna plans to stay on HRT indefinitely.
Lorna is a research manager. She is married with an adult son and stepdaughter. She started the menopause at age 51. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.
