It’s not just hot flushes and dry vaginas – the A to Z of what happens to your body during menopause

We talk a lot about menopause but confusion persists about what the process entails. Here’s your expert guide to your 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond

Menopause is a time of pronounced mental and physiological upheaval for many women. Getty Images/iStockphoto

Emily Hourican

There has been so much openness around menopause in the last couple of years . We have heard from women who have been through episodes of dramatic upheaval, due to hormonal changes, and sympathised with the many instances in which women were offered inappropriate and unnecessary medication — everything from anti-depressants and anti-anxiety, to painkillers.