to find it unnecessary to blame the menopause for needing a dog to get out of the house?

And the other question?

Would you admit to arthritis or migraine?

Well I strongly suggest you get it from a reputable medical professional. There are many qualified menopause experts. If you had any condition that impacted your day to day life you would get informed, the menopause is no different.

I have seen a lot of my friends benefit from simply having the information, engaging in self care, awareness, asking for support. Some engaged with holistic options, sea swimming, meditation and others went and worked on securing their HRT that was right for them.

Honestly you sound like you just want a row and dismissive of others experience. My late mother in law had the same attitude, completely unaware of how her symptoms impacted on her family and her own quality of life.

If it isn't for you then toddle on and leave the rest of the curious to make our own, our family members and society's experience easier by being open. The remote has an off button.

I really don’t see how needing a dog due to the menopause is over sharing. Sounds really healthy that she was happy to talk about menopause and had identified a way to help herself through the challenges she was facing.

Ok everyone who gets a dog needs to understand what that entails but that’s a wholly different thing.

How is that this woman’s problem?

If someone said they were anxious after a robbery would you assume everyone has it?

I developed anxiety, thought I was going mad until I saw/read it could be related to perimenopause. Same with the unexplainable rage and brain fog. So glad it isn't brushed under the carpet and discussed openly even on a programme about dogs.

I'm usually the most laid back and chilled person you could meet. But perimenopause sent me completely the opposite and I thought I was losing it or getting early onset alzheimers.

So you are on HRT, but think a sad woman getting a dog is some huge moral failing. OK then.

"Admit to it" is an interesting phrase to choose. Would you use the same wording to discuss other health issues?

Would you openly "admit" to migraine or arthritis?

Is it the menopause that you wouldn't admit to or the anxiety?

is a menopause symptom rationing your words?! It would really help if you put a bit more meat on the bones with your posts.

Magnesium also helps anxiety brain fog and sleep.

I can recommend magnesium for we es in the night. I was going three times a night and it stopped in three days.

Yes. When I went to my GP originally for HRT, he was dismissive of brain fog and hot flushes. As soon as I mentioned low libido he prescribed HRT!

I think to be fair to @Blanketyre she means that women are generally prescribed vaginal oestrogen without the battle associated with getting patches or gel. Because the medical profession put more value on a woman's ability to have sex with her male partner comfortably and without getting repeated UTIs than on her mental health, aching joints, etc.

Oh I totally agree and love my Vagifem! Just a side swipe at the fact that they will happily hand it out.

@Blanketyre tbf, some of us (myself included) aren't ready give up our sex lives. It's appropriate that we have solutions and it isn't assumed that we are done with all that, because we aren't fertile and God forbid anyone still finds us attractive.

Having a dog also gives you a reason or need to go out into the fresh air at least twice a day and walking/being outside is proven to help a wide range of mental health difficulties. Yes you could just go for a walk, but having a dog which needs exercised means you HAVE to go for a walk.

These sorts of lifestyle changes can be all that's needed for some women to get through the menopause, or for men to deal with whatever issues they are dealing with. And that's great. But the message needs to be heard loud and clear that if lifestyle changes are NOT enough or don't help at all, then that doesn't mean there is something wrong with you, or that you are in some way failing.

This is such a good point. Noone tells men to keep schtum because creaky knees happen to everyone as they get older.

Not if we keep talking about it and sharing experiences. Then most people will know, just like in pregnancy, when men have heart conditions, gout, arthritis. I'm out and about in pubs, I've never not heard men talk about their health. No-one ever told men, since I've been old enough listen in, to shut up because they aren't the first man it's happened to. Unlike when the women around me talked about what they were experiencing, periods/pregnancy/post birth. Whole families used to pander to mens moods. They were let off in court becauseit isn'ttheir fault they can'tcontrolthemselves. But luckily now post/going through the menopause women are now in high places and we all need to do our bit to further our cause.

Basically, having a dog that you love and connect with is good for your mental health/mind/soul, which in turn can nourish the body and help with many ailments, or lessen the psychological effects of them. No big surprises there.

Oh, they are happy to give vaginal oestrogen - can't have a woman not physically ready for sex, can we!

I watched this last night and it opened up a conversation with my daughter I probably wouldn't have had.

I really felt for the woman

Yes, I think your thread has demonstrated that admirably.