No more meno-panic!

It's good to be open, but is more conversation leading to more fear? Dr Stephanie Fitzgerald discusses how to keep calm about the menopause

- Dr Stephanie Fitzgerald

I'd looked forward to the menopause since my 20s. That may sound bizarre but, having managed heavy, painful periods since my teens, I eagerly awaited the days when I could be in touch with my natural body, cut out artificial hormones (which isn't an option whilst I'm still menstruating), and have sex without niggling pregnancy worries. I was a huge fan-in-waiting and, as far as I was concerned, the sooner the better.

Then, about 18 months ago, Davina McCall made a documentary called Sex, Myths and the Menopause. I didn't watch it, because I was only 38 years old, and menopause was something I didn't have to think about for at least 10 years, right? But I couldn't avoid the avalanche of information that followed. The menopause was everywhere. At first, I welcomed it with open arms. Yay for women's health being at the forefront! But then I became uneasy...

Instagram started throwing me details, neatly summarised in a carousel, of a horror show. I was casually told that my risk of everything from heart disease, to cancer, to divorce is about to dramatically increase, and that I'd better get myself onto HRT pronto unless I want my life to fall apart. I am overwhelmed by snippets of information, but fully informed by none. I have downloaded books I am too scared to read, and podcasts that I can't bring myself to listen to. I am anxious - and I am not alone.