Stopping smoking

• Women who smoke begin their menopause on average two years earlier than non-smokers.
• Smoking decreases the amount of oestrogen in the body, and can trigger and worsen hot flushes.
• Smoking is a risk factor for osteoporosis because it can decrease bone mass. It also increases the risk of heart disease, lung cancer and other cancers.

Safety first

Always remember that it is still possible to become pregnant during the onset of the menopause. If you are not actively seeking to become pregnant you should use reliable contraception until you are sure your periods have completely stopped. It pays to be cautious as a lot of women can go for six or nine months without a period and then have another one. 

Also remember that barrier methods of contraception are the only way to prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections including HIV, so even when worries about conceiving have gone it makes sense to practise safe sex. Statistics show that sexually transmitted infections are increasing among middle-aged women.