I’m Dr Esthefanea F. Santos, a Counselling Psychologist based in Medway, supporting adults across Kent and online throughout the UK. This article is part of my Menopause Series for Menopause Awareness Month, where I explore the emotional side of this transition and grounded, evidence-based ways to manage it. To wrap up the series, I’ve gathered resources I trust, so you know where to turn next.
Menopause can feel isolating, especially when information is scattered or doesn’t seem to speak to your experience. Whether you’re looking for medical advice, local connection or something to read on a difficult night, support is out there.
Start with your GP
Your GP is the first step for medical support, including HRT and other treatments. It can help to bring a symptom diary to your appointment, noting changes in mood, sleep and your cycle over a few weeks. If your symptoms are complex, your GP can refer you to a specialist.
Local support in Medway and Kent
- Menopause Cafe Medway Towns: informal get-togethers in cafés around Medway, open to anyone going through menopause and to those supporting a loved one.
- YMCA Maidstone Menopause Support Group: a monthly informal group in Maidstone. Ring ahead to check dates.
- NHS Kent and Medway: Women’s health: updates on local services, including menopause care.
- NHS Talking Therapies: free talking therapy for anxiety and low mood. You can refer yourself through the NHS website.
Trusted UK organisations
- NHS: Menopause: clear information on symptoms and treatment.
- Women’s Health Concern: the patient arm of the British Menopause Society, with factsheets on menopause and HRT.
- British Menopause Society: includes a directory of menopause specialists.
- Menopause Matters: an independent, clinician-led information site.
- The Daisy Network: support for premature ovarian insufficiency and early menopause.
- Menopause Cafe: find a café near you or join one online.
- ACAS: Menopause at work: guidance for employees and employers.
Inclusive support for LGBTQ+ people
Much menopause information is written with one kind of person in mind. If that doesn’t reflect you, these resources may feel more relevant:
- Rainbow Menopause Film resources: a regularly updated collection from the Menopause Inclusion Collective, covering LGBTQIA+ experiences, neurodivergence, learning disabilities, ethnicity, chronic illness and more.
- Queer Menopause: run by London-based therapist Tania Glyde, it raises awareness of LGBTQIA+ experiences of menopause and gathers inclusive resources.
- LGBT Foundation: a UK charity offering health and wellbeing support for LGBTQ+ people.
- Experiences of menopause among non-binary and trans people: a free-to-read research article by Michael Toze and Sue Westwood, exploring how trans and non-binary people experience menopause, including how it connects with gender identity and the challenges of navigating care designed around women.
- Menopause and Identity: my own doctoral research, exploring how trans people assigned female at birth experience menopause and its impact on their sense of identity.
For partners
- Understanding Menopause for Partners: a free guide from psychotherapist Diane Danzebrink of Menopause Support, exploring how menopause can affect relationships.
- Supporting someone through the menopause: practical guidance from NHS Inform.
- Information for partners: an inclusive fact sheet from Jean Hailes for Women’s Health.
- Men… Let’s Talk Menopause by Ruth Devlin: a book written for male partners.
- My post on [supporting your partner through menopause] also explores what research says and what helps.
Books
- Menopausing by Davina McCall and Dr Naomi Potter: a warm, practical guide.
- The Menopause Manifesto by Dr Jen Gunter: evidence-based, and good at busting myths.
- The Menopause Brain by Dr Lisa Mosconi: on brain fog, mood and the brain science of menopause.
- Living Well Through the Menopause by Professor Myra Hunter and Dr Melanie Smith: a practical self-help guide written by psychologists.
- Men… Let’s Talk Menopause by Ruth Devlin: written for male partners. My post on [supporting your partner through menopause] is a good companion for partners of any gender.
- Heather Corinna’s ‘What Fresh Hell is This? Perimenopause, Menopause, Other Indignities, and You’ is a well-regarded inclusive guide.
Podcasts
- Menopause Matters, Let’s Talk: gynaecologist Dr Heather Currie and Ruth Devlin explore the evidence and debunk myths.
- Menopause Whilst Black: Karen Arthur shares the experiences of Black women in the UK.
- Black Menopause & Beyond: Anita Powell talks about menopause and midlife from the perspective of a Black woman in the UK.
- The Happy Menopause: nutritionist Jackie Lynch on nutrition and lifestyle in midlife.
FAQs
Do I need a blood test to confirm perimenopause?
Usually not. NICE guidance says that for most people over 45, perimenopause and menopause can be diagnosed from symptoms alone. Your GP may suggest tests if you’re younger or your symptoms are unclear.
Is there help with the cost of HRT?
In England, an HRT prescription prepayment certificate can reduce the cost of eligible HRT medicines if you pay for prescriptions. Ask your pharmacist or check the NHS website.
What if my GP isn’t helpful?
You can ask to see another GP, ideally one with an interest in menopause. Bringing a symptom diary and a clear list of questions can help, and you can ask about a referral to a specialist menopause service.
If you need support now
If you are struggling with your mood or having thoughts of harming yourself, contact your GP or NHS 111, or call Samaritans any time on 116 123.
Support in Medway and online
If you’d like to explore what you’re going through, we offer therapy in person in Rainham, Medway, and online across the UK.
When you’re ready to take the next step, visit our website or book a free 15-minute consultation to find out how therapy can help.
