A free evening with a BMS-trained menopause doctor: what perimenopause really is, what the evidence says about HRT, and what else helps.

Friday 16 October 2026, 6.30–8pm · The Open Practice, Basingstoke · Free · limited places

No two women arrive at perimenopause the same way. Periods that have become irregular. Sleep that won't come or won't last the night. A shorter fuse. Aching joints. A brain that won't hold a word it has known for years. Most women get several at once, in no particular order and a quiet worry that it might be something else entirely.

This is a free evening to make sense of it and to talk about what actually helps.

I am Dr Daniela Hristova, a BMS-trained menopause doctor. I run a menopause clinic at The Open Practice in Basingstoke and before that I spent 25 years in clinical research including as an investigator on trials of menopause treatments.

What I will cover:

Is this perimenopause, or something else? How it is actually diagnosed and why a blood test often isn't the answer

What the evidence says about HRT: the benefits, the risks and how to make sense of the numbers

What helps if you can't take hormones or would rather not

When to seek help and what good menopause care should look like

Who is it for?

Women in their late 30s, 40s and 50s who are noticing changes and anyone supporting someone who is. Partners, friends and colleagues are welcome.

Practical details

Talk about 45 minutes followed by 30 minutes for your questions. Doors open from 6.15pm.

Free parking is available on site. The room is on the ground floor with step-free access.

Places are limited, so please only book if you can come and release your ticket if plans change, so someone on the waiting list can take it.

Held on the Friday before World Menopause Day (Sunday 18 October).

This is a general education session and does not replace individual medical advice. Hosted with thanks at The Open Practice, Jameson House, Lutyens Close, Basingstoke RG24 8AG.

Description supplied by the event organiser.