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.