Midlife health and menopause

Balancing career, family, and hormonal changes, I truly understand the challenges my patients face during the peri-menopause transition and beyond. With years of experience dedicated to women's health, I've seen many struggle through this chaotic time. Read on to gain a deeper understanding of this critical phase and discover effective ways to manage it.

Empowering your health during perimenopause

Almost everyone finds this time difficult but the good news is that with the right information and guidance, you can often turn your life around and improve your health and wellbeing.

I would like to share that I am a big believer in the role of MHT (HRT) and I think it is an incredible medication that makes a life-changing difference for many. However, I feel healthy lifestyle changes can even further augment the effects of MHT. There are also many women who either choose not to or are unable to take hormonal therapy, and for these women, lifestyle change is vital.

Before we go further, I think it is helpful to revise some definitions. Firstly, perimenopause refers to the transitional phase leading up to menopause, during which a woman’s body undergoes hormonal changes that can produce a range of physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms. This starts in the late 30s/early 40s and precedes menopause by up to a decade. Menopause is a single day in time and refers to the day exactly one year following your last menstrual period. Any time beyond this is referred to as post menopause.

Recognising the signs and symptoms of perimenopause

  • Irregular Periods

    One of the hallmark signs of perimenopause is changes in menstrual cycles. Periods may become irregular, shorter, longer, heavier, or lighter. A woman may experience skipped periods or notice variations in the frequency or flow of menstrual bleeding. These changes are due to fluctuating oestrogen and progesterone levels.

  • Hot Flashes and Night Sweats

    Sudden feelings of intense heat, often accompanied by sweating, reddening of the skin, and sometimes chills. Night sweats are hot flashes that occur during sleep, often disturbing rest.

    Hot flashes typically last for a few minutes and can occur several times a day or night. These symptoms are linked to hormonal shifts affecting the body’s temperature regulation.

  • Sleep Disturbances

    Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early, often due to night sweats or other hormonal changes (commonly between 2am-4am).

  • Mood Changes

    Increased irritability, anxiety, sadness, or mood swings. These hormonal shifts, particularly fluctuating oestrogen levels, can affect brain chemistry and lead to emotional instability or depression. Anxiety, irritability, and mood swings are common during this time.

  • Vaginal Dryness and Changes in Libido

    Vaginal dryness, itching, discomfort during intercourse, or reduced sexual desire are referred to as the genitourinary syndrome of menopause.

    Declining oestrogen levels can lead to thinning and dryness of the vaginal tissues, which may cause discomfort during sex. A decrease in libido (sex drive) is also common due to hormonal changes.

  • Cognitive Changes (Brain Fog)

    This can present as memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and cognitive decline. Some women report difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, or mental fatigue, which can be linked to hormonal changes and disrupted sleep.

  • Physical Changes

    Weight gain, particularly around the abdomen, changes in body composition due to muscle loss and fat gain and changes in skin elasticity or hair thinning are common.

  • Breast Changes

    Hormonal fluctuations can lead to changes in the breasts, such as swelling, soreness, or sensitivity, particularly during periods of hormonal fluctuation.

  • Urinary Changes

    Declining estrogen can affect the bladder and urethra, leading to urinary urgency or a feeling of not fully emptying the bladder. Some women may also experience urinary incontinence. This is part of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause.

  • Headaches and Joint Pain

    Hormonal fluctuations can trigger headaches or migraines in some women, and a reduction in oestrogen may also lead to joint pain, stiffness, or aches (musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause).

  • Changes in Hair and Skin

    The decline in oestrogen can contribute to skin changes, such as dryness and increased wrinkling. Some women also notice hair thinning or loss, especially around the temples or crown.

  • Increased Risk of Osteoporosis

    As oestrogen levels decrease, bone resorption increases, which can lead to a decline in bone density over time, increasing the risk of fractures and osteopenia or osteoporosis.

Perimenopause symptoms vary greatly from woman to woman. While some experience only mild changes, others face more disruptive symptoms. If these symptoms are significantly impacting your quality of life, it's crucial to consult a healthcare provider to explore management options.

Our holistic wellbeing prescriptions address the root causes of your symptoms, helping you feel healthy, happy, and whole. Take control of your health today and see how our approach can transform your life.