Many women expect symptoms of the menopause to begin once their periods stop. In reality, the hormonal changes leading up to menopause often begin much earlier. This stage is known as perimenopause, and it can last for several years before menopause officially occurs.
Because the symptoms develop gradually and often affect many different parts of the body, perimenopause is frequently mistaken for stress, ageing, or simply being “run down”. Understanding the early signs can help you recognise what may be happening and explore the treatment options available.
What is perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the transition leading up to menopause.
During this time, your ovaries gradually produce lower levels of oestrogen and progesterone. These hormonal changes can affect many different systems throughout the body, resulting in a wide range of symptoms.
Unlike menopause, which is defined as having no periods for 12 consecutive months, women in perimenopause often continue to have menstrual cycles, although they may become less predictable.
For many women, this stage can begin in their 40s, although the exact timing varies. If menopause symptoms begin before the age of 45, it’s important to speak to your GP, as this may need further assessment.
Travelling to high-altitude destinations can be an incredible experience, but it also comes with unique physical challenges. Altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of fitness level.
Understanding how it works can help you prepare effectively.
What Is Altitude Sickness?
Altitude sickness occurs when the body struggles to adapt to lower oxygen levels at higher elevations.
When travelling to certain destinations, malaria prevention is an essential consideration. Understanding your options early can help you prepare effectively.
What Is Malaria and Why Does It Matter?
Malaria is transmitted through infected mosquito bites in certain regions. Risk varies depending on location. Malaria is a serious illness and can be life threatening if caught.
Travel sickness can affect people of all ages and can make journeys uncomfortable. Whether travelling by car, plane, or boat, preparation can help reduce symptoms.
What Causes Travel Sickness??
Travel sickness happens when the brain receives conflicting signals from the eyes and inner ear.
In this latest video, our clinical Pharmacist Abraham Jacobson Khodadi discusses 5 medications that can ruin your sex life.
One of the biggest mistakes I see in practice is men blaming age, stress, or low testosterone for weaker erections, when sometimes the real cause is sitting right there in their medicine cabinet. As an Advanced Clinical Practitioner and pharmacist, I’m going to show you five medications that can quietly ruin your sex life, how they do it, and the patterns I see most often in practice.
Do not stop any prescribed medication on your own. But if your erections changed after starting one of these, that timing matters, and it is absolutely worth a conversation with your provider. I’ll also touch on some options that may cause fewer erection problems, but any switch should be decided with them.
Jet lag can affect anyone travelling across time zones, often leaving you feeling tired, disoriented, and out of sync with your destination. Preparing your body in advance can help reduce the impact and support a smoother adjustment.
What Is Jet Lag and Why Does It Happen?
Jet lag occurs when your internal body clock becomes misaligned with a new time zone. Your circadian rhythm controls sleep, digestion, and energy levels.
When this rhythm is disrupted, symptoms may include:
In this latest video, our clinical Pharmacist Abraham Jacobson Khodadi discusses how to have stronger erections, what actually helps and what medications can help you.
There are 3 things I’d do straight away to help with stronger erections, and as a certified Advanced Clinical Practitioner, it’s exactly what I tell ED patients in clinic.
Starting today, don’t treat erectile dysfunction like it’s “just in your head” or “just testosterone” — I’m going to show you the 3-part erection pathway I use with patients, because when you know which part is failing, the fix becomes obvious.
Stay with me, because we’ll go through what actually helps first and when medication makes sense.
Travellers’ diarrhoea is one of the most common health concerns for people travelling abroad, particularly to destinations where food hygiene and water quality may differ from the UK. While it is often short-lived, it can quickly disrupt your holiday if you’re not prepared.
Understanding how it happens and what to expect can help you travel with more confidence and minimise disruption.
What Causes Travellers’ Diarrhoea?
Travellers’ diarrhoea is typically caused by bacteria that enter the digestive system through contaminated food or water. Because your body may not be familiar with these bacteria, it can react more strongly.
This can lead to symptoms such as:
Loose stools
Stomach cramps
Nausea
Urgency
The risk can vary depending on your destination and local hygiene practices.
