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

Taking regular exercise is essential. It can make a difference cognitive function and mood changes, sleep disturbances and night sweats, and it keeps the bones healthy as well as helping to maintain a healthy weight. Weight-bearing exercise (such as walking, jogging and dancing) and resistance exercise (such as press-ups or using weight equipment) are particularly important for improving bone density and helping to prevent osteoporosis.

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 help women who are finding sexual intercourse uncomfortable. These have no known safety concerns as they are drug-free.

Did you know?

Women can lose up to 20 per cent of their bone density in the five to seven years after the menopause.