For many women, midlife brings unexpected changes in how the body stores weight. You might find that even when your diet and exercise habits stay the same, those extra kilos, especially around your middle, seem to appear out of nowhere.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is one of the most effective ways to ease menopausal symptoms, yet it’s still surrounded by confusion.

Perimenopause is the phase before menopause when hormone levels start to fluctuate. It can last several years, and for many women, this is when the most noticeable symptoms appear.