The quality of our mental health is also a communication from our body – just like the physical symptoms. It is signalling to us that something needs attention. Here are some of the factors that may contribute to ill mental health during this time, and are worth taking into consideration.

If you’re in your 40’s and you’ve noticed your anxiety starting to creep in, perhaps a racing heart before bed, a feeling of dread you can't quite explain, irritability that feels bigger than the moment calls for, there may be a reason. Many women in their 40s describe this exact shift and wonder how and why it has seemingly appeared ‘all of a sudden’ without any clear explanation that they can pinpoint.

Vaginal dryness is one of those topics that affects a huge number of women – and not only through menopause. Women can also experience these kinds of symptoms during breastfeeding, from taking certain medications, or from other underlying factors - yet it's rarely talked about openly.