Notes on the second half
Practical, honest writing about perimenopause and menopause — symptoms, patterns, and what actually helps.
Perimenopause itchy skin: why it happens, where it shows up and why it's worse at night
Itchy skin is a common and little-known perimenopause symptom. Why falling oestrogen makes skin dry and itchy, the usual spots, why itching gets worse at night, what helps and when itchy skin needs a doctor.
Everything my husband does annoys me: is it perimenopause? Rage, irritability and your relationship
Suddenly can't stand your husband in your 40s, even the way he chews or breathes? Irritability and rage are common perimenopause symptoms. How to tell hormones from relationship problems, what helps, and whether to see a doctor or a therapist.
What does a hot flash feel like? Sudden or slow build, how long it lasts, and what's normal
A hot flash is a sudden wave of heat in the face, neck and chest, usually lasting 1 to 5 minutes, often followed by sweating and chills. What it feels like step by step, the warning signs, night sweats, cold flashes and when to see a doctor.
At what age do periods stop? The average age of menopause, and signs yours are ending
Periods usually stop between 45 and 55, at an average age of 51. How periods wind down in perimenopause, what affects your age, what counts as early or late menopause, and when to see a doctor.
Am I in perimenopause? 15 signs women in their 40s often miss
Not sure if what you're feeling is perimenopause? Here are 15 common early signs — many of which have nothing to do with hot flashes — plus a simple self-check and what to do next.
Blood work for perimenopause: which tests help, and why results look 'normal'
What blood work for perimenopause can and can't show: FSH, estradiol, AMH, thyroid and iron tests explained, why hormone results often come back normal, and what actually helps get a diagnosis.
What to bring to a menopause appointment (so you don't leave with nothing)
A practical checklist for your menopause or perimenopause appointment: what to write down beforehand, what records to bring, the questions worth asking, and how to make a 10-minute consultation count.
Menopause symptom tracker printable: a free weekly template you can print today
A simple, printable menopause symptom tracker — one page per week, no app required. What to record, how to fill it in, and how to turn a few weeks of sheets into something your doctor can use.
Periods getting closer together in your 40s: why it happens and when to worry
Periods getting closer together, every 3 weeks or less, in your 40s? Shorter cycles are often the first sign of perimenopause. What's a normal cycle length, other causes, and when to see a doctor.
Menopause symptom diary template: daily, weekly and doctor-summary formats
Three free menopause symptom diary templates — a 60-second daily entry, a weekly review sheet, and a one-page summary for your doctor — with filled-in examples and advice on which to use.
Hot flash trigger list: 27 common triggers and how to find yours
The complete hot flash trigger list — food, drink, environment, emotional and lifestyle triggers — plus a simple method for working out which ones actually affect you (most won't).
How to track perimenopause symptoms (without turning it into a second job)
A practical guide to tracking perimenopause symptoms: which symptoms to log, how often, what format to use, how long before patterns appear, and how to keep it up for more than a week.
Waking up at 3am every night in your 40s? The perimenopause connection
Falling asleep fine but waking at 2–4am and lying awake? In your 40s, perimenopause is a common and often overlooked cause. Here's why it happens and how to work out what's driving yours.
Why tracking hot flashes actually helps (and what to write down)
Hot flashes feel random — until you log them. Here's what a few weeks of notes can reveal, and the four things worth recording every time.
Anxiety out of nowhere in your 40s? It might be perimenopause
Sudden anxiety, racing heart or dread in your 40s — when you've never been an anxious person — is a common and under-recognised sign of perimenopause. Here's why it happens and what helps.