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Following a total hysterectomy at age 37, Jackie was prescribed HRT. Severe symptoms in the past year led to increased dose of HRT and testosterone patches for energy. Feels depressed but draws strength from an online menopause support group.
Jackie is not working at present. She is married with an adult stepdaughter. A premature menopause followed a total hysterectomy at age 37. 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.
Nancy sailed through menopause in her mid-40s with no symptoms. Diagnosed as being at risk of osteoporosis, she took HRT for 10 years. A recent mastectomy has made her wonder about the possible link between long-term use of HRT and breast cancer.
Nancy is a teacher. She is married with three adult children. She started the menopause at age 45 and had her last period at 47. 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.
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.
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.
Mary describes menopause as 'the most fundamental loss ending her hopes of becoming a mother. Her decision to take HRT to improve poor memory was 'like a miracle'. Withdrawal on doctor's advice after 5 years, however, saw a return of symptoms.
Mary is a self-employed charity consultant. She is married with no children. She started the menopause at age 46 and had her last period at 53. 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.
Five years after a hysterectomy at age 37, Margaret's remaining ovary failed. Menopausal symptoms included night sweats. Prescribed HRT but discontinued after diagnosis of breast cancer. Recent problems with vaginal dryness and loss of libido.
Margaret is a retired administrator. She is married with no children. Following a partial hysterectomy at age 37, she began to have menopause symptoms at 42. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.
Cynthia expected an easy passage through the menopause. Severe hot flushes however have had a significant impact on her well-being. She has tried a range of alternative therapies and herbal products, but is now finding relief by taking a low dose HRT.
Cynthia is a part-time administrator. She is married with two adult sons. She started the menopause at age 48 and had her last period at 51. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.
