23/09/2026
Did you spot the Traitor? 👀
After all the excitement of The Traitors finale, we decided to bring the Round Table to women’s health.
There is still so much misinformation surrounding perimenopause, menopause and HRT, so which statement should be banished?
❌TRAITOR: “You need a blood test to diagnose perimenopause.”
For most otherwise healthy women aged 45 and over with typical symptoms, perimenopause and menopause can usually be diagnosed clinically. Blood tests do have a role in certain circumstances, particularly in younger women.
✅FAITHFUL: Transdermal HRT does not routinely need to be stopped before surgery.
The British Menopause Society recommends individual assessment of VTE risk around surgery. Transdermal oestrogen does not carry the increased VTE risk associated with oral oestrogen and does not routinely need to be discontinued before surgery.
✅FAITHFUL: Vaginal oestrogen can be used long term.
Genitourinary symptoms related to low oestrogen can affect the v***a, va**na, bladder and urethra. Vaginal oestrogen has very low systemic absorption and can be continued for as long as it is needed. It can improve va**nal dryness, irritation and discomfort, as well as urinary symptoms including urgency, frequency, nocturia and urge incontinence.
Vaginal oestrogen can also be particularly beneficial for some breastfeeding women, who may experience va**nal dryness, irritation or discomfort during the low-oestrogen state associated with lactation.
🏃♀️ And don't forget our runners, cyclists and sporty women.
Vaginal/v***al discomfort and urinary urgency or frequency can be particularly intrusive when running, cycling or exercising. These symptoms don't have to simply be accepted as part of ageing. The BMS recognises the effects of oestrogen deficiency across the v***a, va**na, bladder and urethra and the role of va**nal oestrogen in treating genitourinary symptoms.
✅FAITHFUL: HRT is not contraception.
Pregnancy is still possible during perimenopause. Starting HRT doesn't provide contraception,
