‘I’m as baffled as the next ovary-owner’: navigating the science of treating menopause

Conversations about menopause have matured but the question of when and how to treat perimenopausal symptoms remains confusing - even to a science journalist

There's a meme featuring a confident, suave, smiling Henry Cavill - the actor best known for playing Superman - posing for photographers on the red carpet. Sneaking up behind him is wild-looking, maniacally gleeful co-star Jason Momoa.

To me, this is the perfect metaphor for perimenopause. Cavill is at the peak of his career, he looks great, clearly feels great, exudes confidence, strength and self-possession. And he's about to get crash-tackled by a capricious and unpredictable force.