The Menopause ... it's no flash in the pan!
The menopause is the biggest hormonal shift a woman will experience in her life and it doesn't happen overnight. The transition in to menopause (a full 12mths without a cycle) can begin anywhere between 5-10 years before your cycle stops completely; meaning women can start the transition, also known as perimenopause, in their thirties.
Perimenopause describes the stage in life in which our estrogen begins to decline and we may start to experience one or more of around 45 signs and symptoms indicating that things are changing hormonally. If you are noticing changes to your body and your day-to-day functioning and would like support or treatment, talk to your GP or menopause practitioner.
We've also included some recommendations for further reading and research at the bottom of this page.
Here are a list of menopause symptoms that you may wish to talk to your medical practitioner about:
- Joint pain
- Muscle soreness
- Muscle mass changes
- Skin changes - acne/breakouts
- Itchy Skin
- Heart palpitations
- Heartburn
- Headaches
- Frozen Shoulder
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Low libido
- Pain during intercourse
- Weight gain (particular around the core 'meno belly')
- Bloating
- Fatigue
- Feeling flat - low mood
- Low motivation
- Change to menstrual cycle
- Bladder weakness
- Recurring UTIs
- Sore/tender breasts
- Worsened PMS symptoms
- Change in appetite
- Lower tolerance for alcohol
- Inflamed puffy appearance
- Brain fog
- Trouble focusing
- Brittle nails
- Hair thinning/loss
- Dry eyes
- Tinnitus
- Tingling skin sensation
- Changes to thirst levels
- Change to body odour
- Irritability (inc.rage)
Further Signposting
There is a lot of information (and mis-information) out there relating to perimenopause and menopause. Every woman will have their own unique experience and what helps for one woman may not have any affect for another. We encourage you to find what works for you ... leave behind what doesn't. Here are some recommendations to help you navigate your own menopause path:
Dr. Louise Newson
Author of Preparing for the Perimenopause and Menopause and Menopause - All you Need to Know.
Dr. Newson also hosts and contributes to podcasts and has created the Balance App.
Dr. Amy Shah
Dr. Amy Shah is a leader in women's health, wellness, and nutrition. Through leadership in medical practice, speaking, podcast, books and social media, she shares invaluable knowledge around peri-menopause and menopause health.
Laura Lambe
Menopause practitioner, Laura, teaches women how to thrive in menopause. Her knowledge is shared across social media platforms such as instagram, follow @laura_lambe.
Davinia Taylor
Author of It's Not a Diet and Hack Your Hormones. The founder of WillPowders, Lancashire's own Davinia is a champion of women's health and can be found contributing to podcasts and creating content across social media channels.
Davina McCall
Davina has been at the forefront of raising awareness around menopause and the impact on women's health. With groundbreaking documentaries and her book 'Menopausing', Davina has lent her voice to the campaign to end the stigma of menopause. And as with all the women on our recommendation list, Davina publishes content across social media.
You'll make up your own mind as to whether these contributors speak to your experience. There are also organisations online like, Menopause Matters & The Menopause Charity offering support & guidance.