Menopause is a natural stage in a woman's life when her menstrual cycles come to an end. It typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, marking the end of reproductive years. While menopause is a natural process, it is associated with a range of unpleasant symptoms for some women. These symptoms can vary from woman to woman but commonly include hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, heightened anxiety, brain fogging, reduced libido, and vaginal dryness, and sleep disturbances.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has long been the go-to treatment for menopause symptoms. HRT involves the use of oestrogen and progestogen (and sometimes testosterone) hormones to replace the diminishing sex hormones in a woman's body and remains the most effective treatment for menopausal symptoms. While the use of HRT is associated with benefits for quality of life, bone and cardiovascular health, these need to be balanced against an increased risk of thrombosis, breast cancer, heart disease and stroke with long-term use.

Some women who are sensitive to hormones may also experience significant side effects from HRT depending on the type of preparations used. Such side effects and risks can lead many women to seek alternative non-hormonal therapies for menopause.