The big menopause swizz: do hormone supplements really work?

The global market for menopause products is worth 16.93bn, the majority of that spent on dietary supplements - but is there any evidence they do anything?

I had just turned 40 when it started. Suddenly, the ads on my social-media feeds changed. The algorithms decided I was now officially middle-aged and crumbling - by their metrics - and it was time for me to start buying hormone-supporting supplement blends, collagen powder, bum-sculpting leggings and anti- wrinkle creams.

In truth, the hormone supplements piqued my interest. I was sleeping badly, more anxious than ever, and low on energy after IVF and two pregnancies.