Imagine if over half the UK population was to experience the same life-changing health condition, which if disregarded would contribute to an increase in disease and illness, an increase in mental health issues, and the likelihood of losing jobs and marriages. For far too long, there’s been a shroud of embarrassment, shame and fear around this topic, and this is where it stops!

In addition to her TV work, Davina has also built a hugely successful fitness empire, encompassing no less than 15 fitness DVD releases with sales of over 1. And, whilst there are pockets of really good practice out there, too few employers are providing any form of support for the women who work for them. I want to tell my story, and that of the tribe of menopausal women, so that others don’t need to drive off the cliff before picking themselves up. I feel like it’s really important to say that people in their fifties are having the time of their lives. Yet the period of menopausal change is also a peak time for suicide, and one survey of 3,000 women who went to their doctor during menopause revealed that 66% were offered antidepressants rather than HRT.These are also available on the NHS – micronised progesterone and transdermal oestrogen gel or patches – which the British Menopause Society says have “no or lower risk of breast cancer” compared to the old oral combined pills.

The book is clearly marked in chapters and each chapter has specific sections so if you just need to look at a certain area this is easily found.The content of the book is comprehensive, if a little repetitive, and genuinely informative with enough intelligent detail.

I’ve never felt so alone as I did while listening to Davina guide me through my life as a broken person with an evil uterus. So much information that makes me feel normal and not a depressed hyperconcondriac (who can't spell! Menopausing will build an empowered, supportive community to break this terrible silence once and for all. Until I met the menopause and its dastardly little sister, the perimenopause, I thought I’d be fine: “Periods stop. By completing your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and authorise Audible to charge your designated card or any other card on file.There is good advice about how to get your point across to your GP which actually will stand you in good stead with any problem you need to present to your doctor. The falling oestrogen will affect your skin’s ability to retain ceramides, fatty acids that help the skin lock in moisture. The general rule of thumb is that if you can read a book outside in natural light, then you need to use SPF. I am sold, and also outraged that women who could benefit aren’t offered it, but the assertion got repetitive.

Menopausing will also celebrate the sharing of stories, enabling women to feel less alone and more understood and talk openly and positively about menopause. If you are looking to understand and feel less alone and to help the women coming up behind you please read this now. The number of HRT prescriptions in England has doubled in the past five years to more than 500,000 a month. However, this book was a fantastic introduction to the topic and very easy to listen to and to understand. Although the book falls short for me in properly addressing the needs of women who are particularly sensitive to hormonal changes, such as those with existing mental health conditions, it does acknowledge that individual experiences with menopause can vary greatly.Menopause affects every woman, and yet so many approach it with shame, fear, misinformation or silence. She gives great advice on what to say to get the help you need, and clear explanations about everything. At the time of listening, I am 45 and not experiencing any signs of being peri menopausal or menopausal.