Menopause support: Where to get help when you need it

The internet can offer a wealth of information within seconds, but it’s not always factually correct. However, it is one of many tools we can use to access menopause support. Options include:  

• medically reviewed websites 
• medical practitioners   
• apps  
• books 
• friends and family 
• support groups  

When searching for menopause support online, make sure you visit reputable websites. The NHS website has a lot of very useful information and can also signpost you to other sites that might be more applicable for your needs. Be careful of any website selling items marketed as a “quick fix,” or “miracle cure,” these will not  be effective at treating menopause symptoms and may even be dangerous. For personalised menopause advice, speak to a GP, menopause specialist, practice nurse or trained healthcare professional.

As well as the NHS, websites I would particularly recommend are: 

Run by The British Menopause Society, Women’s Health Concern has a wealth of unbiased information available to read and download. There are also videos, online seminars, and a telephone and email advisory service, run by nurses.  

An independent website covering a wide range of menopause topics, including treatment after hysterectomy, bladder issues, vaginal problems and lifestyle advice. It also has a popular newsletter you can subscribe to.  

Run by Newson Health, Balance is also home to the most popular menopause app available. Its founders, Dr Louise Newson and Dr Rebecca Lewis, are often featured in the media raising awareness of menopause symptoms. Their website has a comprehensive library of medically reviewed information.  

A dedicated charity for menopause, this site offers expert advice but also raises awareness. It’s a good resource for downloading leaflets or posters to share in the workplace or with family and friends.  

The Daisy Network is a charity set up to help women going through early menopause, offering tailored support and advice. You can become a member if you wish to and take part in live chats online.  

With the message “menopause happens to people,” Queermenopause offers support for anyone within the LGBTQIA+ community going through menopause. It also has advice for companies looking to make their menopause support more inclusive.  

Whether it’s a private menopause specialist, an NHS GP or nurse practitioner, there are many healthcare professionals to speak to. Your local sexual health clinic might also offer support.

If you want to discuss treatment options such as HRT, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself using the websites above, then make an appointment to speak to someone about your specific case.

Remember, menopause is different for everyone, and treatment options vary. A healthcare professional will be able to listen to any concerns you might have, answer questions and help you decide what treatment – if any – might be right for you.  

Menopause apps are a booming market, and almost all of them offer at least some form of free content. Balance is the most downloaded menopause app available, and completely free (there is an option to pay to join Balance + but that’s not necessary). It has a detailed menopause tracker, videos, podcasts, articles to read and an online menopause community.   

If you search ‘menopause’ on the App store or Google Play, almost all options will have some form of tracker built in. These are really useful for tracking your symptoms – you can then take this information to your GP, giving them a comprehensive overview of how long and in what way symptoms have been affecting you. HerCare, MBody, MenoBox and Health and Her are just some of the apps available and worth looking at.  

Whether it’s paperback, Kindle or Audible, there are a lot of excellent menopause books out there. The beauty of a book – I find – is that you can dip in and out of it whenever you want and search for specific symptoms or issues. I’ve read a fair few menopause books and these are my favourites: 

While they might drive us crazy at times, a caring partner, family or network of friends can be a great source of support. A frank and honest menopause discussion can be all that’s needed to set out how they can help you during this transition.

Although it might be difficult to broach the subject at first – particularly if you sometimes can’t make sense of your feelings or symptoms – these people love you and want to help you, so try to be as open as you can be.  

There are various menopause support groups available across the country. Some also run online so you can join in no matter where you are.

Your local council or GP surgery may have details of specific groups in your area, or you can take a look at the Menopause Café website. This holds details of upcoming events across the UK, and also has details of how you can organise your own.

Pausemenot has a list of Facebook menopause communities, with links, details on how to join, and descriptions of each one.