Fortunately the tide seems to be turning against the old tendency to brush menopause under the carpet, the old attitude of ‘you just have to get on with it’ or even the slightly sniggering jibes about the ‘change’ having been cast aside. Instead, there is an increasing acceptance that women should be able to talk openly about their menopause symptoms and also have access to all the resources they need.

We have much more information now than ever before about the menopause and the peri menopause (this refers to the period of time leading up to full menopause when you may begin to have symptoms), although there is still so much more research to be done.

As a therapist I see many women between the ages of 35 and 60 who come to me with the following symptoms: weight gain; insomnia; anxiety; irritability; joint pain; headaches. Whilst these may not be related to the menopause or peri-menopause, it is important to dig a bit deeper and maybe suggest that the client sees their GP or even a menopause specialist for further investigation. I have even had clients in this category who experience a sudden onset phobia, not knowing that this could also be related to hormonal changes.

If you suspect that you are experiencing physiological or emotional symptoms that could be related to the menopause or peri menopause, it is important to book an appointment with your GP or a menopause specialist. You might be advised to take HRT and indeed, this can be a life saver for many women. I would also suggest that you do as much research as you can on the subject. There is an excellent book by the hypnotherapist Sophie Fletcher called ‘Mindful Menopause’ which is a real treasure chest of information. She advocates having a menopause plan and this can include addressing lifestyle habits, finding exercise which is going to help alleviate your symptoms as well as eating a nourishing Mediterranean diet.

Of course, I would add that hypnotherapy can be an incredibly powerful tool to help you feel your best self during these sometimes turbulent years.

Best wishes everyone,

Wendy xx