Menopause Searches Soar across UK

According to Menopause Support, there are approximately 13 million peri or post menopausal women in the UK, so it’s no surprise that there is a demand for information around it and medication to help those women. However, what is interesting is the dramatic rise in both search demand and prescription treatments over the past several years. 

Further national increases were seen in phrases like “menopause symptoms”, which rose by 81%, “when does menopause start” (131% increase), and “latest menopause treatments” (3,100% increase), all highlighting the increased awareness around the symptoms and potential solutions to the menopause experience.

HRT Prescriptions also on the rise

Our research also found that NHS prescriptions for Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which is a treatment to relieve symptoms of the menopause, has seen a 149% increase across the UK since 2015. Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire saw the biggest increase of 214%, followed by Somerset and Gloucestershire (both 199%) and Shropshire (197%). The interactive map below shows the percentage increase for prescription data in each NHS region in England.

Medical experts and menopause

From speaking to experts and women who have experienced menopause themselves, a common theme emerged that they wish more women were aware of the range of symptoms it can cause. They urged women to do the research and be prepared, while also emphasising that no one should have to suffer in silence. 

We have therefore combined the most useful insights into a helpful guide, covering the following areas:

• What they wished they knew about menopause prior to their experience
• What they think the biggest misconceptions of menopause are
• How menopause impacted their personal relationships with family, friends, and partners
• How menopause impacts every day life
• How menopause impacts mental health
• What helped their symptoms the most

Below is a collection of those important insights and personal experiences that they were happy to share to help the millions of women who go through this each year, as well as tips and insights from Superdrug Online Doctors on how to learn from these experiences and improve your own. 

What do you wish you knew prior to your menopause experience?

Many women learn about menopause as it’s happening and they’re experiencing change they may not have expected or knew about. Here, the women we spoke to explain what they wish they knew prior. 

Jacqueline Carson, clinical hypnotherapist who has experienced menopause

“Everything I think.  Prior to menopause, I used to think it was only about hot flushes, and that women put on weight. It was very sudden and an onslaught of symptoms that I appeared to have no influence over.  It was almost like I was changing into a different person and that it happened overnight.”

Phyllis Woodfine, osteopath and currently experiencing menopause

“I wish that I known more about the many and varied ways it could affect you - hot flushes and some brain fog I knew - aching joints, anxiety, lacking in confidence, sleep problems just a few of the ones I didn't know 18/20 years ago!”

Kate Usher, Menopause coach and gender equality consultant

“Pretty much everything. Before my menopause started to reveal itself, I had heard of four symptoms: hot flushes, mood swings, weight gain and insomnia. I had also heard it could affect my sex life but had no idea how. To be honest I thought it would be similar to a bad period and would last no longer than a year. Eight years and 30 symptoms later, I know how naïve and ill-informed I was.”

Jennifer Young, microbiologist, nutritional therapist, and associate member of the Royal Society of Medicine

“If you had asked me at the beginning of our menopause work, I’d have said that I wish women knew that menopause existed and that it might not be plain sailing. As things have progressed with our pioneering research - I wish more women knew that there is help to hand and that this too will pass.”

What our Superdrug experts say…

As more and more women speak out about their personal experiences of the menopause, these valuable insights can help others get a better idea of what to expect. More resources are also becoming readily available which can help women access knowledge and information about their hormonal health.  If you want to find out more about the menopause check out the Women’s Health Concern or NHS websites.

What is the biggest misconception around menopause?

Stigma and misconceptions around menopause mean it can be misunderstood, and below we can see how important it is that greater awareness and education is provided around the topic to avoid this. 

Jacqueline Carson

“I think we need to understand more about menopause, to talk about it more and to support women going through it.  Whilst I am left with some symptoms, I feel I am out of the other side now.  This is the next phase of my life and I am of the view that I need to support my body to be as healthy as it can be and to look after it at this stage.”

Kate Usher

“As a society there is a perception that menopause is an older woman’s condition. Menopause is also no longer a woman’s issue to be managed in the shadows alone. Menopause is an everyone issue.

“I think one of our biggest misconceptions is that it will be over within a year. Menopause itself lasts a year, in fact it is 12 months after your last period, but for most the symptoms of which there are over 40, go on for many years and for some over a decade.”

What our Superdrug experts say…

The length of time that menopausal symptoms last and the severity of symptoms varies from woman to woman. It can sometimes come as a shock as to how long menopausal symptoms can last and the impact these can have. Addressing misconceptions surrounding the menopause can help women make informed decisions about their menopause care and treatment. 

How does menopause impact personal relationships?

Sudden changes can cause disruptions or strain on relationships, with the below experiences detailing how their personal relationships with family, friends and partners were affected, but also how educating others and talking often about it can help.

Jacqueline Carson

“I haven’t been in a romantic relationship since prior to the menopause.  I’m quite happy being single most of the time.  However, I have noticed a change in my libido and I don’t have a great deal of interest in sex.   That’s not to say, I don’t feel attractive or I am not attracted to anyone, it’s just not a drive anymore.

“I am hugely aware of how I physically present, even to my children.  The rapid changes in my physical appearance do concern me.”

Kate Usher

“Menopause impacted every relationship I had. It dragged me into a very dark place where I feared I would lose my marriage, my children and importantly myself. I did the only thing I knew would help and that was start talking. I had to vocalise what was going on on the inside, in an attempt to explain what was going on on the outside. My fabulous husband and I talked about my menopause again and again. Over the years we have very much worked it out together, it has definitely brought us closer and made us stronger.”

Jennifer Young

“What we hear time and again from women is that they feel isolated and overwhelmed during menopause. It can have a profound impact on your emotional and mental health, but it's also a big change in your life, which can be wonderful but does take a little time to come to terms with. Partners can also feel at a total loss as to what to do and how to help, and children can feel confused.

“Communication can break down and really that is the key to supporting one another - to talk about what's happening and how you feel. There are also physical changes during menopause that can impact a couple's sex life and if you're not talking then that can cause confusion as well.”

What our Superdrug experts say…

As with other turbulent times in life, communication with loved ones can be key to navigating the storm. Talking about your experiences can help them understand and provide much needed support. The good news is that treatments to help manage the symptoms of menopause are becoming more readily available. Some of these, such as testosterone replacement therapy,  can help women regain control of their sexual desires which can have a positive impact on personal relationships.

How does menopause impact every day life?

Mental and physical shifts in normal life can impact women going through menopause, but there are always ways to combat these shifts, as our Superdrug expert explains below.

Jacqueline Carson

“Day to day I do not let menopause affect me, every time any thoughts creep in I quickly boot them out again.  I am more aware of keeping myself in shape physically and I take care of myself through diet.  I push through any aches and pains and use hypnosis to help with this.  I also meditate every day to aid a calm mindset.”

Phyllis Woodfine

“For me it was the anxiety, lacking confidence - driving at night,  Pushing myself to do things that I wouldn't normally find a problem.”

What our Superdrug experts say…

Changes caused by the menopause, such as fatigue and anxiety, can make it harder for some women to do things that they're used to.

Exercise, weight management, and HRT can help to manage physical symptoms, and talking to someone about how you feel - be that friends, family, or a professional - can really help to improve your mental health. 

There are different treatment options available to help manage the range of symptoms women can experience and your GP or doctor will help you find the treatment that is most suitable for you. 

How does menopause impact mental health?

Hormone changes during menopause can cause stress, anxiety and even a loss of confidence, as is explained below. However, there are treatments that you might want to explore to help relieve some of the psychological impacts of menopause, as our experts explain.

Jacqueline Carson

“I am naturally a positive, glass half full type of person, but sometimes now I can feel quite low.  I can always conduct myself in a professional manner, but often underneath it can feel like there is something missing.  

“Sometimes it feels like the joy has disappeared, there is a worry that there is not much time left, there is a worry that my body is getting older and I have less time left on the earth than I have already had.  This does two things, firstly it makes me feel quite sad, it makes me think about my own mortality, especially when I think of leaving my children; and secondly it makes me think that I don't have much time to do the things I want to do.”

Kate Usher

“I had anxiety and depression mixed with severe sleep deprivation due to insomnia and night sweats. I had gone from someone who thought they were pretty invincible, to someone who could barely get out of the door in the morning to take her young children to school.

“One of the key realisations I had very early on was that while I couldn’t control my symptoms I could control what happened next. This tiny grain of control helped me build a foundation that gave me the stability I had lost.”

What our Superdrug experts say…

Mood changes can be one of the cardinal symptoms of the menopause. Exercise, a healthy diet and self help techniques such as mindfulness can all make a positive impact on your mental health during the menopause. As with changes to mood at any time in your life it’s important to speak to your doctor if these persist or impact on your day to day life. Your doctor can help you to identify underlying causes for your change in mood as well as providing support and suggesting effective treatments such as HRT. 

What has helped your menopause symptoms the most?

As Jacqueline Carson said above, “there is help at hand and that this too will pass.” Help is available, and speaking more frequently to educate others about what to look out for and how to prepare is vital today. Below the women provided us with the experiences of what worked best for them.

Jacqueline Carson

“I’ve been able to maintain a whole foods plant based diet and to avoid sugar which is inflammatory, and this has helped me to remain a healthy weight and avoid a middle spread.  It has also helped me to keep up my energy levels and manage my low mood. 

“Lots of self care, prioritising massages, spa days, walking in nature, gentle exercise like yoga nidra and Kundalini.”

Phyllis Woodfine

“Changing my diet has helped with some of the aches and pains, some natural supplements but in the main just being aware of what's happening and my mission to help my patients be aware of what can happen.”

Kate Usher

“For me the biggest win was focusing on my diet and my physical wellbeing. I cut out all processed foods and sugar, cut down on caffeine and alcohol and drank litres of water. At the same time, I started doing load bearing exercise every other day, which is great for your bones. I chose running but walking, dancing and skipping are just as good. We can all do this today and it costs virtually nothing.”

What our Superdrug experts say…

There are many different ways of managing menopausal symptoms ranging from lifestyle changes to medication. If you find lifestyle changes haven’t fully resolved your symptoms don’t despair as it’s likely a suitable treatment is available for you. 

The main treatment recommended to help manage menopausal symptoms is HRT. HRT comes in many different forms so it’s important to speak to a doctor about choosing the most suitable method for you. 

Testosterone replacement therapy can be used alongside transdermal HRT to improve sex drive and talking therapies and antidepressants can help with some of the mood changes associated with the menopause. Speak to a doctor to find the best treatment for your symptoms.

Preparing for Menopause

These invaluable insights and personal experiences should hopefully help to make others feel open to reach out, speak about their symptoms, and seek help, rather than deal with their symptoms in isolation. The data shows how menopause wellness is on the rise, and this can only be a good thing for the millions who experience it.

Further advice on potential treatments for menopause, and more information on how to order a prescription can be found on our Menopause Test kit page. 

Disclaimer: The opinions and tips from testimonials above are not clinical/scientific fact - they are the personal experiences of these women.