1 in 4 Women Will Have Early Menopause - Here's What No One Tells You | Dr Radhika Vohra | EP 105

Have you ever had a menopause symptom for years before anyone — including you — realised that's what it was? In this episode, recorded live as a Henpicked Lunch & Learn session, Sally Bromley is joined by Dr Radhika Vohra, NHS and private GP, menopause specialist, and trustee and medical adviser at The Menopause Charity, to talk about early menopause: what it actually is, why it's so often missed, and what to do about it. Together, we explore: - (00:01:40) What early menopause actually means, and how it's different from premature ovarian insufficiency, menopause under the age of 40 - (00:04:37) The most common symptoms, and why mood swings, sleep problems, fatigue, brain fog and joint pain get missed far more often than hot flushes - (00:07:35) The "estrogen battery" analogy, why your life's cumulative load matters as much as your age - (00:11:44) Family history, and why it can raise your risk of early menopause by up to six times - (00:12:30) Surgical and medical menopause, hysterectomy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and what current guidance recommends - (00:18:51) Why premature ovarian insufficiency isn't the "rare disease" it's long been treated as, 3 to 4 in every 100 women - (00:21:02) Who can safely take HRT, and the real evidence on cancer, safety and long-term health - (00:22:20) One patient's story, rebuilding a life after breast cancer treatment with low dose HRT - (00:26:26) Alternatives to HRT, lifestyle changes, non-hormonal medications, and what's new in development - (00:31:57) Why estrogen has been "demonized" for the last 20 years, and what the evidence actually shows Dr Radhika Vohra is candid about how much of this is still unknown, and just as clear about what is: that the vast majority of women are safe to take HRT, that the benefits usually outweigh the risks, and that too many women are still being turned away. Her message throughout is simple, learn your own norm, don't be afraid to keep asking, and be your own advocate. Whether you're navigating early menopause yourself, supporting someone who is, or simply want to understand your own body better, this conversation is essential listening. Find out more about Dr Radhika Vohra's work in menopause and women's health at Dr Vohra, or follow her at @doctor.rvohra on Instagram.