Menopause is a natural process with treatments that focus on symptomatic relief. Vaginal dryness is treated with topical lubricants or oestrogen. Medications can reduce the severity and frequency of hot flushes. In special circumstances, oral hormone therapy may be used. Whether it’s puberty, periods or pregnancy, women are used to being challenged by their bodies. So, it’s no surprise that going through the menopause can be a concern, especially if you’re unsure about which remedies are right for you. Hot flushes, night sweats and mood swings are just a few of the symptoms women have to contend with as we get older. But the run-up to menopause, called perimenopause, can go on for several years beforehand. It’s during this time you might start experiencing symptoms. As some women have their last period in their forties, this means you may start experiencing menopausal symptoms from your late thirties. Symptoms can also continue for an average of four years after your last period, although they may last much longer than that for some women.