There are several measures women can put in place to help manage their menopause symptoms and protect their future health:

Taking regular exercise can make a difference to symptoms such as cognitive and mood changes, sleep disturbances and night sweats, and it also keeps the bones healthy as well as helping to maintain a healthy weight.

Stopping smoking and cutting back on alcohol can also protect bones, as can upping calcium and vitamin D intake, whether through the diet and by exposing the skin to sunlight, or by taking a supplement. These actions have an additional beneficial effect on cardiovascular health.

Reducing stress levels by practising relaxation techniques such as yoga can ease anxiety and improve sleep quality, as can maintaining good sleep hygiene practices. Some women may benefit from talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy if they find they are very low or anxious.

Having a healthy diet that is low in saturated fat and salt, and high in fruit, vegetables and fibre is good for the heart. Women suffering from hot flushes and night sweats should try to identify triggers €“ caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods are common culprits €“ so they can avoid them.

Attending health screening appointments such as breast screening and cervical smears is hugely important and should be encouraged.

Using vaginal moisturisers and lubricants can really help women who are finding sexual intercourse uncomfortable. These have no safety concerns as they are drug-free.