If you feel like needing to go to the toilet every five minutes and are experiencing a burning sensation or bleeding when you do, then it's likely you have cystitis (a urinary tract infection).

UTIs are more common in perimenopause due to imbalanced hormones. Hormonal changes can thin the lining of the urethra, the tube that takes urine from the bladder and out of your body, making it more prone to infection. Bladder problems and bacterial vaginosis can also lead to UTIs which return regularly.

You don't have to put up with regular cystitis during perimenopause. To help get over bladder infections quickly, drink at least two litres of water a day and go to the toilet often. After sexual intercourse, it's important to clean yourself and go for a wee as soon as you can, to prevent the chance of infection. To improve personal hygiene, you can also make sure you're wiping from front to back, avoiding scented wipes down there, and wear breathable fabrics like cotton. If symptoms persist, you may need to speak to a doctor and go on a course of antibiotics.