Our research will explore the menopausal symptoms that lead individuals to seek advice from health professionals. We are interested in people's experiences when receiving a diagnosis and treatment.

The menopause - determined by the point at which menstruation stops permanently due to the natural loss of ovarian follicular activity, or induced by surgery or medication - is estimated to affect approximately 13 million individuals in the UK at present.

The hormonal changes associated with this period of life predispose individuals to a wide range of symptoms that can impact their personal, social, and work lives. Because of this, some may seek advice, and treatment, from a health professional.

Research has found that health professionals often don't recognise the presented symptoms to be menopausal. This can lead to delays in accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Eligibility

You can take part in this study if you:

• are 18 years old or over
• live in the UK
• believe you have experienced menopausal symptoms

What you'll do

You will complete an online survey. This should take no longer than 15 minutes.

What you’ll need

You will need access to the internet and a device (such as a laptop, smartphone, or tablet) to complete the survey.

What you'll get for taking part

Your participation could help to inform future support for people experiencing menopausal symptoms and who choose to report and seek treatment for them.

Your data

All records will be treated as confidential. No personally identifiable data (e.g. your name) will be collected. Data will be anonymous, and you can withdraw at any time up to the point of submission by closing your web browser.

Data collected will only be accessible to the lead researcher and their supervisor. This study has received ethical approval ¹.