I don't know why they call menopause 'the change of life.' I can think of some other, more fitting things it could be called: The seventh circle of hell.

Angelina Jolie candidly revealed her choice to undergo a bilateral mastectomy over a year ago as a preventative measure for breast cancer. Recently, she spoke of the results of experiencing "surgical menopause" after having an oophorectomy (removal of ovaries).

During the lead up to menopause, referred to as the peri-menopause phase, women may not be experiencing regular cycles and therefore have no idea as to whether they are mid-cycle or in the luteal phase at the time of having their blood tests which can be a hindrance in interpreting blood results.

Feeling anxious during the menopause? Find you are putting on weight in areas you never had trouble with before? Could the solution to your woes be found in the humble tomato?

We can bring whatever level of determination and energy we want to making our menopausal years some of our best, but self-care during perimenopause and menopause also means taking carefree time to play and enjoy ourselves.