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Ask the Pharmacist: Your blueprint for navigating menopause
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In the third edition of our Ask the Pharmacist series, we sit down with Caoimhe McAuley, director of pharmacy and superintendent pharmacist at Boots, to guide us through menopause, from establishing a strong foundation to managing hormonal shifts with the right supplements and lifestyle changes.
Between work and family, I feel like I’m constantly looking after everyone else’s health. How can I start prioritising my own?
As the family CMO (Chief Medical Officer), you can treat your Boots pharmacist like a trusted ally. You can pop into chat about your symptoms, review your progress, or talk through any questions you may have regarding your hormonal health. We are there to provide you with the facts in a simple and understandable way so that you can go into conversations with your GP or practitioner prepared and informed. Ready to advocate for your own hormonal health.
I’m feeling ‘off,’ but I’m not sure if it’s menopause or something else like my thyroid or low iron. How do you help me figure that out?
We support women by having practical, common-sense conversations. We talk through the pattern of symptoms (cycle changes, hot flushes/night sweats, mood changes, sleep disruption, vaginal symptoms, concentration issues), and we also ask about symptoms that overlap with other conditions, like fatigue, low mood, hair changes, palpitations, or heavy bleeding, where thyroid issues or iron deficiency could be part of the picture.
Just as importantly, we’re clear about when a GP assessment is the best next step. Particularly if symptoms are difficult, persistent, or affecting day-to-day life, because your GP can evaluate causes and discuss treatment options, including referral if needed.
What can women expect from a private consultation at Boots when discussing sensitive hormonal or menopausal symptoms?
A private Boots consultation is discreet and supportive. We move to a quiet consultation room (standard in all pharmacy stores) for confidential chats on sensitive topics like vaginal changes, libido, or bladder issues without rush or judgement. It’s designed to make you feel safe opening up, with follow-ups welcome.
Beyond Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), what can I actually control when it comes to brain fog and sleep issues?
Women I’ve spoken to often described their menopause-related sleep issues as ‘I’m exhausted, but my brain just won’t switch off,’ and that can feed directly into brain fog and lower mood. Beyond medicines, pharmacists can recommend evidence-based lifestyle foundations: consistent sleep routine (‘sleep hygiene’), regular exercise, a balanced diet, and limiting alcohol. These are practical levers women can control, and they can genuinely improve sleep quality and resilience.
On over-the-counter supports, we can talk women through options like supplementation and symptom-targeted products, but we keep it personalised. Looking at what symptoms they are experiencing and what other meds they are taking.
Speaking of HRT, what role do Boots pharmacists play in explaining the different delivery methods (patches, gels, etc.) and managing potential side effects?
As medicines experts, Boots Pharmacists spend a lot of time demystifying HRT. Talking our patients through what it’s for, how it’s taken, and what to keep an eye on when taking it. This includes side effects and warning signs. Like any medication, HRT can come with side effects and risks, and a pharmacist is there to explain those to you and be there as a point of contact when you need more information.
HRT actually comes in so many forms; it can be really quite daunting for someone just starting their HRT journey to figure out and understand what works best for them. A Boots pharmacist will be able to talk you through your options in a simple and understandable way to support you in having an informed conversation with your GP as to what form would be best prescribed to you.
I’m worried about my long-term health, specifically my bones. What is the ‘bone bank’ advice?
As oestrogen drops, bone density can start to decline faster, so we encourage women to prioritise weight-bearing exercise to stimulate bone-building and maintain muscle support. We also chat about a calcium-rich diet—think dairy, leafy greens, and fortified foods—paired with vitamin D for better absorption. We can also discuss supplements, like those with vitamin D and calcium, to help reduce bone mineral loss in post-menopausal women. The key message? Start now with consistent habits.”
We know post-menopausal women face a higher risk of heart disease. Can a pharmacist help to support women with an early warning system during this transition?
Post-menopause, lower oestrogen can stiffen blood vessels, raise cholesterol and nudge up blood pressure, making heart checks an essential move during this shift.? Boots’ Blood Pressure Service (or our Health MOT with BMI and waist measures) acts as an easy early warning: we measure, explain your numbers, and flag if a GP follow-up is wise.
It’s quick, no-fuss, and perfect for spotting trends before they become issues, alongside lifestyle tips like stress management and healthy eating.
I’ve heard about the Common Conditions service. Can this help with the physical flare-ups that seem to happen more often now?
Yes, the Common Conditions service is all about providing care at the right time in the right place. For women going through menopause, they can start to see flare-ups of conditions such as UTIs and thrush due to hormonal changes. The service is there to give women timely and professional care through diagnosis and treatment in accordance with the Common Conditions Protocols.
Additionally, our Health MOT acts as an easy early warning system for heart health; we measure blood pressure and BMI, explain your numbers, and flag if a GP follow-up is wise.
When a concern is beyond the scope of the pharmacy, how does Boots help “signpost” women to the right specialists or local health services to ensure they don’t fall through the cracks?
At the end of the day, given we are the most accessible point in the healthcare system, we are positioned perfectly to point you in the right direction when something is outside of our scope. We seamlessly signpost to keep care moving without anyone slipping through the gaps.
It’s even listed as part of the Common Condition’s protocols. Correct referral is key for patients to receive the right care at the right time.
To learn more about how your local pharmacist can help you this winter and beyond, visit your local Boots pharmacy or explore the new Common Conditions Service here.
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