Menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be a source of anxiety for both patients and clinicians. Menopause is frequently in the media and is at the forefront of many consultations. It’s on our minds and on our patients’ too. In the first in a series of episodes on menopause, Dr James Waldron explores its background, its coverage in the media, the changing attitudes towards it, the impact of menopause on patients and the true risks of HRT. Future episodes in the coming weeks will explore prescribing and other treatments.