Clear, honest guides written for women navigating perimenopause and menopause — grounded in current evidence, not generalisations.
Perimenopause can begin a decade before your last period. Here's what's actually happening hormonally, what to expect, and when to seek support.
Why your thermostat feels broken, what triggers make them worse, and the full range of options — lifestyle through to hormonal and non-hormonal treatments.
Forgetting words mid-sentence, walking into a room and blanking — brain fog is one of the most distressing and least-discussed symptoms. Here's the science.
Multiple mechanisms disrupt sleep during perimenopause and beyond. Understanding which ones affect you most is the first step to fixing them.
Oestrogen plays a direct role in serotonin regulation. When it fluctuates, your mood follows. This is hormonal — not a character flaw.
Strength training, yoga, and cardio each play different roles. Here's the evidence on which types of movement help most with specific symptoms.
From phytoestrogens to calcium, omega-3s to ultra-processed foods — what the research actually supports and what's marketing noise.
Many women leave appointments feeling dismissed. Here's how to prepare, what to bring, what questions to ask, and how to advocate for yourself.
The evidence on hormone replacement therapy has shifted significantly in the last decade. Here's what we know now about safety, types, and who it helps most.
Bone density loss accelerates in the years around menopause. The good news: there's a lot you can do, and it's never too early to start.
Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) affects over half of women and is very treatable — but rarely discussed. Here's what helps.
Oestrogen has a protective effect on the cardiovascular system. After menopause, heart disease risk rises. Here's what to watch for and how to protect yourself.
Real answers to questions women ask most about menopause.
The average age of menopause in the UK and US is 51, but it can occur anywhere from the late 30s to late 50s. Perimenopause — the transition — typically begins 4–10 years earlier, so symptoms can start in the early-to-mid 40s. Early menopause (before 45) and premature ovarian insufficiency (before 40) affect roughly 5–8% of women and warrant prompt medical attention.
Yes. Fertility declines during perimenopause but ovulation can still occur unpredictably. Contraception is recommended until 12 months after your last period (if over 50) or 24 months after (if under 50). Unplanned pregnancy in perimenopause is more common than most people realise.
Because menopause is genuinely different for every woman. Genetics, ethnicity, lifestyle, stress levels, weight, and prior health all influence the experience. Research shows Black women typically experience more severe and longer-lasting hot flushes; Asian women report them less frequently. There is no "normal" menopause — only your menopause.
The most useful thing is a dated symptom log covering at least 4–6 weeks. Include: which symptoms occurred, their severity, what made them worse or better, sleep quality, mood, and any patterns you've noticed. Vida automatically builds this record from your daily check-ins — you can use your logged history directly. Also note any family history of osteoporosis, heart disease, or hormone-sensitive cancers.
Yes. Several non-hormonal options have good evidence: certain antidepressants (SSRIs/SNRIs) at low doses, gabapentin, oxybutynin, and the newer neurokinin-3 receptor antagonists (like fezolinetant) specifically for hot flushes. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) also has strong evidence for both hot flushes and menopause-related anxiety. Lifestyle changes — particularly reducing alcohol, caffeine, and stress — can also meaningfully reduce frequency.
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