The menopause – when a woman’s fertile period comes to an end – can be a traumatic time for many women. The drop in hormone levels can introduce both physical and mental symptoms that can have a significant impact on quality of life. Some women find symptoms so overwhelming that they even think about quitting their jobs.

The writer, Rose George has shared her own experiences of the menopause in a Guardian article where she also raised the question why so little is known about it: “I woke up fatigued, stinking and angry that something so common, something that affects millions of women, is still such a medical mystery. Why do we get hot flushes? We don’t know. Why is sleep broken? We don’t know. Why are we the only creatures to get menopause apart from two types of whales? We don’t know.”

Not everyone experiences problems with the menopause and many say that it can be a liberating time for women.

Share your experiences

The menopause affects women in myriad ways and we’d like to find out about your experiences. How has it affected you and what steps, if any, have you taken to tackle symptoms? Do you feel that your concerns or problems have been taken seriously by a medical professional?

We’re interested in hearing about what treatments and therapies you have chosen and about what did and didn’t help. Have you tried hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or any alternatives such as bio-identicals? Perhaps you have found cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) exercises helpful or have tips that you’d like to share with others about dealing with symptoms. Have you ever attended a Menopause Cafe?

You can share your views and experiences in the encrypted form below. Your responses will only be seen by the Guardian. One of our journalists will be in contact with you before we publish your submission.

If you’re having trouble using the form, click here. Read terms of service here.