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Hot flushes and night sweats are commonly associated with the menopause – but the vast majority of menopausal women also suffer from mood and emotional problems, such as stress and anxiety. Research recently carried out by GP and menopause specialist Dr Louise Newson, founder of Balance Menopause, found 95% of nearly 6,000 perimenopausal and menopausal women had experienced a negative change in their mood and emotions during the menopause, with stress and anxiety being the most common psychological symptoms. Speaking to mark Mental Health Awareness Week (May 15-21), Newson says: “Because we often frame the menopause in terms of physical symptoms, such as hot flushes and night sweats, psychological symptoms, such as anxiety and depression, can go under the radar. “Every year I see hundreds of women struggling with menopause, and thousands more reach out on social media, looking for advice on symptoms that can impact relationships, social lives, confidence and careers.” Here, Newson, and other menopause and anxiety experts, discuss the link between the menopause and anxiety, and how to deal with it… What causes anxiety during the menopause? Low mood and anxiety can be common features of the perimenopause and menopause due to fluctuating and falling hormones, says Newson. “When oestrogen falls, levels of the mood-boosting hormone serotonin fall, too, while cortisol (the primary stress hormone) rises,” she explains. “In addition, the knock-on effects of physical symptoms, such as fatigue, hot flushes and aches and pains, can affect mood and self-esteem.” How common is menopausal anxiety? Newson’s research shows most women (95%) have some sort of mood dip during the menopausal period. Indeed, Dave Smithson, operations director at Anxiety UK, suggests anxiety is one of the key symptoms, if not the main symptom, affecting women during the perimenopause and menopause. “Often anxiety fails to receive the attention it warrants as a symptom of the menopause among the medical profession and indeed the public, which is concerning given the profound impact it can have,” he stresses. Who is likely to suffer from anxiety during the menopause?Sexual and reproductive health consultant Dr Paula Briggs, chair of the British Menopause Society, says the menopausal period has been described as a ‘window of vulnerability’, explaining: “Some women experience anxiety and low mood or depression in addition to other better-recognised menopausal symptoms. Sometimes these symptoms occur in isolation and the link with menopause may be less clear. “Mood-related changes are more likely in women who’ve had previous mental health problems, and in women experiencing surgical menopause [removal of the ovaries and or womb].” Can you get menopausal anxiety when you’ve never been anxious before? Anxiety caused by the menopause can strike women who’ve never had an anxiety problem before, Smithson points out. “Many women report new-onset anxiety, having never previously experienced anxiety at a level that it could be termed an anxiety disorder,” he says. “Others report a worsening of their pre-existing anxiety condition, as a result of the menopause.” “For women who’ve lived with anxiety for many years, when the menopause hits, they may report finding their anxiety has taken on a whole new identity, becoming more severe, intense, frequent or disabling, and consequently very challenging to manage.” What are menopausal anxiety symptoms? Although there are different types of anxiety, the symptoms tend to be the same irrespective of the underlying cause, explains Briggs. She says they can include feeling tense and nervous, being unable to relax, having difficulty concentrating, feelings of panic and dread, being unable to cope with normal daily activities, being overwhelmed, self-consciousness, and feelings of weakness and fatigue. Physical signs of anxiety include sweating, trembling, rapid heart rate and hyperventilation. “Where there’s no history of mental health problems and the symptoms and signs coincide with the menopause, they are more likely to be related to hormonal variability,” she says. “If there’s a background of anxiety and depression, then the symptoms and signs might be exacerbated by the menopause.” How is menopausal anxiety treated? Smithson says there’s still a taboo around the subject of anxiety, although he admits “great strides” towards breaking it have been made recently. “That said, access to support and treatment remain patchy, with many women left to cope alone and battle on through what can be one of the trickiest phases of their life. “Anxiety is both treatable and manageable and we would urge any women experiencing new-onset anxiety or worsening of pre-existing anxiety to seek support.” Briggs and Newson say HRT, if appropriate, is often the first treatment for menopausal anxiety, although Newson stresses: “HRT is the first-line treatment for all menopause symptoms, including mood-related symptoms. But the first piece of advice I give to any woman struggling with her mental health is to see a healthcare professional to discuss treatment options.” She suggests recording symptoms on the free balance menopause support app symptom tracker. Briggs says if necessary, antidepressant medication can improve outcomes, and talking therapies, such as CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy), are also important to help manage anxiety and depression, irrespective of the underlying trigger. “Some women, particularly those who respond partially to HRT, may need to consider adding an antidepressant, specifically one recognised to help with anxiety,” she says. However, Newson warns: “Often women are incorrectly prescribed antidepressants for menopause-related low mood and anxiety, but these mood changes are very different to clinical depression.” Can lifestyle changes help? The experts stress healthy lifestyles can really help improve anxiety symptoms, and Newson advises: “Beyond HRT, it’s so important to optimise your exercise and nutrition. A balanced diet with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables can help regulate your mood, and watch your alcohol and caffeine intake, as both can increase anxiety. “Regular exercise will lift your mood, and help you sleep, as anxiety can be a real barrier to a good night’s sleep.” She says studies suggest mindfulness can help with symptoms of anxiety and depression in menopausal women, and stresses: “Find time to focus on yourself and find some coping mechanisms you can turn to when you need them. If talking to a good friend helps with anxiety, give them a call. I find writing lots of lists helps me feel in control and calmer.” And Briggs adds: “Many women have unrealistic expectations about HRT, and it’s important to stress that lifestyle management is also an important aspect of managing the menopause, along with considering things such as cognitive behavioural therapy, hypnotherapy and mindfulness.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live How to encourage green-fingered kids Cost of sunscreen could be increasing risk of skin cancer, charity suggests Ukraine Eurovision winners Kalush Orchestra invite Princess Kate to join them on tour

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The cost of sunscreen could be contributing to the rise in skin cancer cases in the UK, a charity suggests. A survey from Melanoma Focus found that 50% of people think sunblock is too expensive, with 67% saying they would use it more if it was cheaper and 10% saying they don’t use it at all because of the cost. The survey also found that most British people (58%) can’t identify all the signs of melanoma skin cancer. Melanoma Focus is calling for the government to cut VAT on high-factor sunscreens to reduce the cost and make them more accessible to everyone. Melanoma is a deadly form of skin cancer and the vast majority of cases (86%) are preventable. There are around 16,700 new melanoma skin cancer cases in the UK every year, according to Cancer Research UK. Over the last decade, incidence rates have increased by 32%, and are projected to rise by another 9% by 2040. Around 4,000 cases of melanoma in England are linked with lower deprivation. “Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the UK and the deadliest form of skin cancer,” said Susanna Daniels, CEO of Melanoma Focus. “Wearing a high SPF sunscreen is a hugely important safety measure for protecting against it. “We know that people are experiencing increasing pressures on their finances at the moment but, with skin cancer rates on the rise, the use of sunscreen should be a high priority.” Removing VAT on sun protection products would be “a cost-effective way to cut the overall incidence of skin cancer and could help save lives”, she added. Michelle Richardson, 49, from Petersfield, Hampshire, was diagnosed with melanoma in 2018 after noticing an itchy mole on her back. She had an operation to remove the mole, but 18 months later a scan found the melanoma had spread throughout her body including in her spine, lungs, spleen and brain. “I had immunotherapy treatment for two years and I’m currently in remission and hope it stays that way for as long as possible,” Richardson says. “Sunscreen shouldn’t be a luxury product. It’s essential for protecting the health of the nation so I’m fully supportive of the proposed cut to VAT. “Treatment for melanoma costs the NHS a fortune, so a VAT cut to the thing that can prevent it happening in the first place makes sense financially as well as morally.” MP Amy Callaghan, who is supporting the campaign, said: “More people wearing sunscreen means fewer people getting melanoma. “But when 52% of people in my constituency can’t afford to turn on the heating, it’s unlikely they’ll take on extra expenses like sunscreen. “That’s why we must make sunscreen more affordable by removing VAT.” Melanoma Focus also wants to raise awareness about the early signs of skin cancer. “We’d also urge people to make themselves aware of melanoma symptoms and seek medical help if they notice anything suspicious, particularly any changes to a mole or lesion,” Daniels said. “Early detection leads to a higher cure rate and more treatment options.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Ukraine Eurovision winners Kalush Orchestra invite Princess Kate to join them on tour ‘Simply no evidence’ for many Mirror phone hacking claims, Prince Harry trial told As Coronation Street puts the spotlight on sepsis, the signs and symptoms to know

National Vegetarian Week kicks off 15 May, which provides a great opportunity to get creative in the kitchen. Vegetarians, vegans and people who are just looking to cut down on their meat consumption are always looking for great alternatives for classic dishes such as steak or a classic sunday roast. Enter: the roasted cauliflower. Often seen as a mere side, this viral clip featuring a whole roasted cauliflower with a garlic yoghurt and drizzled with tahini and a chimichurri style sauce, has gone viral, with over 1.7 million views and 108,000 likes. Luckily, we’ve sat down with the creator of this viral clip, professional chef and host of foodie favourite the Desert Island Dishes podcast Margie Nomura, who has shared this delicious recipe so you can impress all your friends this National Vegetarian Week and beyond. “This dish is a perfect centrepiece for any vegetarian meal,” says Nomura. “It’s a great substitute for a cut of meat and is easy to make when you’re feeling lazy. “When you roast a cauliflower whole it takes on this buttery, sweet but salty crust in the oven so make sure you roast it until it is soft enough for a knife to cut through. “For the chimichurri, you won’t use all of this for the cauliflower but it keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to two weeks and is amazing served as a salad dressing or on vegetable kebabs.” Roasted cauliflower Ingredients: 1 medium-sized cauliflower (remove thick ugly outer leaves but leave any smaller more delicate ones) 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp Maldon sea salt For the chimichurri: Mix together: 1 finely diced shallot 1 diced red chilli pepper 3-4 diced garlic cloves ½ cup red wine vinegar 1 tsp salt 1 tsp red pepper flakes ½ cup finely chopped coriander 2 cups finely parsley ¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil (more oil as needed to get the right consistency – it should be runnier than a pesto, more like a heavily flavoured chunky oil) For the garlic yoghurt: 4 heaped tablespoons of Greek yoghurt 1 clove garlic crushed Juice of ¼ lemon 2 tbsp tahini to serve Method: @desertislanddishes Whole roasted cauliflower served on garlicky yoghurt, drizzled with tahini and a chimichurri style sauce. It’s SO GOOD. The cauliflower is like butter, you could cut it with a spoon. #cauliflower #tahini #easyentertaining ♬ Jazz masterpiece "As time goes by" covered by a Jazz violinist by profession(962408) - ricca Pre-heat the oven to 200C. Fill a large pot of water and season well with salt and bring to a boil. Place the cauliflower in, cover and let cook for 6-8 minutes, depending on the size. Check to see if ready by poking the stem with a knife, and then remove the cauliflower and place it on a sheet tray to steam dry for around 10 minutes. Cover with extra virgin olive oil and season well with sea salt. Return to the oven and let roast for 45 minutes until charred and golden all over. Remove from the oven. Spoon some garlicky yoghurt onto a serving plate and pop the cauliflower on top. Drizzle with tahini and chimichurri. Cut into wedges and enjoy! Read More What is coronation chicken? The story of the royal recipe and how to make it Healthy lemony smoked salmon pasta that takes zero effort Easy coronation chicken pie recipe chosen by Mary Berry Andi Oliver on turning 60 and channeling her anger into power Andi Oliver: Earl Grey tea bags are a gamechanger for barbecue chicken Caribbean-inspired coconut and lime cheesecake

The more you talk to a toddler, the more it helps their brains to develop in early childhood, a study has found. Researchers discovered that two-and-a-half-year-olds who heard more speech in everyday life had more myelin in language-related areas of their brains. Myelin is a material produced by the body that forms around nerves, including those in the brain, that allows electrical impulses to transmit quickly and efficiently. Scientists from the University of East Anglia said their findings demonstrate how speaking to toddlers can shape their developing brains. The study, published in the Journal of Neuroscience, involved 163 babies and toddlers being given small recording devices to wear for three days. Researchers analysed just over 6,000 hours of language data in total, including words spoken by the children and speech from adults. When the children were asleep, they were carefully placed in an MRI scanner to measure myelin in their brains. The researchers found that toddlers who heard more speech everyday had more myelin, which they said is “likely to support more sophisticated language processing”. Lead researcher Prof John Spencer, from UEA’s School of Psychology, said: “We know that children’s brains develop very rapidly in the first two years of life, with brain volume at about 80 per cent that of an adult brain by the age of two. “Myelin is made up of protein and fatty substances and forms an insulating layer around nerves in the brain.” He added: “Imagine you have a hosepipe with lots of holes in it. “Myelin is like wrapping the hosepipe with duct tape – it insulates neural fibres, bringing more of the ‘signal’ from one brain area to the next.” The researchers said their study is one of the first to show that listening to speech is associated with brain structure early in development. Prof Spencer said: “Prior work showed a similar association in four to six-year-olds, but our findings push this association much earlier in development. Indeed, we even found associations between language input and brain structure in six-month-old infants.” He added: “Although there is still much more to learn about these processes, the message to caregivers is clear – talk to your baby, your toddler, your child. “Not only are they listening, but your language input is literally shaping their brains.” Additional reporting by PA Read More Rihanna and A$AP Rocky celebrate son’s first birthday ‘I don’t get angry’: Pierce Brosnan says meditation is key to managing anger TikTok Tattoogate: How a tattoo artist sparked backlash for ‘absurd’ pricing and design changes Dean Gaffney says I’m A Celebrity ‘saved his life’ after bowel cancer scare Talented boxer reveals first sign of brain tumour after collapsing at service station GB News in ‘significant breach’ of Ofcom rules over Covid vaccine claims

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