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Katherine had a premature menopause following a diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease and treatment with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. She was prescribed the pill for many years before starting HRT. She finds support in an early menopause group.
Katherine is a TV production manager. She is single with no children. She had an early menopause at age 21 following treatment for cancer. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.
When her periods became increasingly frequent at 40 and she started to have hot flushes, Sonia felt too young to be menopausal. In a public workplace with male colleagues, she found her symptoms embarrassing. A Mirena coil helped control the bleeding.
Sonia is a retail assistant. She is divorced with a teenage daughter. She started the menopause at age 40. Ethnic background/nationality: British Italian.
Jane is a staunch advocate of HRT, taking it continuously for 15 years. She believes the benefits, including preventing osteoporosis, outweigh the disadvantages. Recently prescribed vaginal tablets to alleviate thinning of vaginal wall.
Jane is a research lecturer. She is married with three adult children. She started the menopause at age 50 and has been taking HRT for the past 15 years. Ethnic...
Alongside hot flushes and joint pain, Susan experienced anxiety, anger, inability to make decisions and loss of self-confidence. Support from her partner and colleagues helped her emerge from the menopause with a sense of hope, renewal and refreshment.
Susan is the manager of a women’s health centre. She lives with her partner and has no children. She started the menopause at age 45 and had her last period...
Despite night sweats and poor memory, Geraldine has had few problems with the menopause. She has taken homeopathic remedies for twelve years to alleviate severe premenstrual tension. She believes this holistic approach will help her through the menopause.
Geraldine is an accountant. She is single with an adult son. She started the menopause at age 47. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.
Rebecca's symptoms included heavy periods, hot flushes and poor memory. Media reports made her wary of HRT. A positive attitude has helped her make a successful transition. Now postmenopausal, she is enjoying a new sense of freedom.
Rebecca is a retired NHS manager. She is married with adult children. She started the menopause at age 48 and had her last period at 52. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.
HRT helped Denise overcome mood swings, itchy skin and hair loss. More recently hormone pessaries have improved vaginal dryness. She believes some of her symptoms, including joint pain and tiredness, may be related to a chronic health condition.
Denise is an administrator. She is married with two teenage sons. She started the menopause at age 50 and had her last period at 52. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.
Janice took HRT for 5 years which stabilised her periods, gave her energy and improved her memory. Since going off HRT at her GP's insistence, she has experienced low moods, forgetfulness and vaginal dryness. She feels the menopause is like a bereavement.
Janice is a health worker. She is divorced with three adult daughters. She started the menopause at age 45 and had her last period at 57. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.
Christina's periods stopped at age 42 but she still suffers from hot flushes, sweats, poor memory, and mood swings. Unable to take HRT, she feels embarrassed and misunderstood at work. Weight gain and stress incontinence have eroded her confidence.
Christina is an administrative assistant. She is single with an adult son. She started the menopause at age 40 and had her last period at 42. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.
Vicky's menopausal symptoms include hot flushes, sweats, irritability, poor sleep and joint pain. A herbal remedy helped alleviate joint pain, but she has not sought help for other symptoms. At 51 she feels old, tired, less competitive and less ambitious.
Vicky has her own takeaway business. She is married with an two teenage daughters. She started the menopause at age 50. Ethnic background/nationality: Chinese.
